COUNCILLORS have overturned a decision to refuse a bid to build a cottage on the site of lock-up garages in Prestwick.
The verdict on the site at Sandfield Road was made by the planning service under delegated powers. Prestwick Community Council and 11 others objected to the proposals.
Planners stated that the proposals were refused because they would result in an unacceptable sense of enclosure, outlook and daylight to adjacent neighbouring properties.
They were also refused because it would result in "town cramming", the proposed garden ground would be overlooked, enclosed and cramped by the adjoining neighbouring properties and vehicle access would adversely impact the residential amenity of neighbours.
Planning officer James Hall told South Ayrshire Council's local review body that the applicant had lodged an appeal stating their reasons for appealing the decision.
They said that there will be no increased sense of enclosure for general adjacent properties, that the outlook would be similar or better than the existing lock-ups, that the footprint of the proposed house is less than half the size of the lock-ups and would therefore not be ‘cramming’ and that the proposed garden would not be overlooked by other properties.
They also argued that the existing lock-up would have more vehicles requiring access than the two cars for the proposed cottage.
Councillor Mark Dixon questioned what would happen with the lock-ups should the appeal fail, suggesting that the housing development would enhance the area.
Mr Hall replied that the lock-ups would remain in place.
Independent councillor Alec Clark said that the site visit did not match the description from planning around ‘cramming’.
He said: “I couldn’t understand, when they’re saying it’s a cramming of buildings into small space.
“When I actually looked at what was presently there, to me, which was a blight on the neighbourhood, and any improvement would be good.”
SNP Councillor Craig Mackay said: “I feel that although it is cramped, that’s going to impact mainly on the site itself, the new house, if that’s built.”
He also questioned the claims about the impact on daylight to the neighbouring properties.
Mr Hall said that the impact on daylight was not simply a matter of height, but of proximity to the neighbouring properties.
Councillor Mary Kilpatrick said: “I think one house versus seven lock ups, which to my mind are well past their sell by date, will enhance the area.”
Alan Lamont: “I understand that previously there would have been seven lock-ups there, with the vehicles out at any time of day or night.
“Now it’s going to be restricted to the use of the proposed build.”
Cllr Lamont proposed that the refusal be overturned. The local review body voted by six to one in favour of overturning the planning officer’s decision.
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