AN environmental organisation is opposed to a former pub in Carsphairn being converted into two houses.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has lodged an objection with Dumfries and Galloway Council to the proposal to transform the empty Greystones Bar and Restaurant building.
Callum Paterson has submitted a planning application with the council, seeking permission for the change of use of the Main Street property, and to extend it and make alterations.
And planning case officer, Toril Glendinning, has recommended that the application be approved.
However, both SEPA and council flood risk officers have objected.
SEPA stated: “The proposed development is expected to put people or property at risk of flooding which is contrary to Scottish planning policy.”
The council’s flood risk management team meanwhile said that the “vulnerability of the property would be increased” with the development, and added: “There is a historical record of flooding to the proposed site and the development may place potential residents and rescuers at risk.”
When the building was previously up for sale as a commercial property, it was described as having “an attractive traditional cottage frontage with two single timber door entrances.
“The garden also has the potential for other uses such as a play park, camping area or more permanent accommodation.”
The planning application for change of use of the building was first submitted by Mr Paterson more than a year ago, but a decision is to be taken by members of the planning committee next Wednesday.
The planning papers explain that the former Greystones Bar and Restaurant has not operated as a public house for several years.
They state: “The property is a single storey traditional cottage with stone wall construction and slate to roof and has various extensions to the rear elevation.
“The site fronts onto the street (A713) and a curtilage to the rear extends to approximately 790sq m.
“The surrounding area is mainly residential but also includes the local primary school and a village shop nearby.
“The application site is located within an area shown to be at medium river flood risk, within a regional scenic area (Galloway Hills).”
Furthermore, two objections have been lodged by neighbouring residents on the grounds of flood risk and lack of parking provision.
Meanwhile, a supporting statement was issued by Savills Planning consultants in Edinburgh, which read: “The flood barrier at Carsphairn is, we understand, to be made permanent in due course and so this means there is no 1:200 year flood risk in relation to the property.
“Thereafter, climate change allowance can be mitigated via installation of specific mitigation measures at the property. Prospective residents would be safe in such a flood risk event.
“The redevelopment of a vacant property in a rural village which is clearly struggling is surely to be encouraged.”
