A COUPLE from Mouswald had a fight on their hands to build a new home on land they have owned for 30 years.
Mr and Mrs Forsyth, who are well known in the community and part of the community council, were seeking permission to build a new cottage in the village.
This was to allow them to downsize from their current large family home at North Lodge – now that their kids have flown the nest – and allow a new family to buy their property.
However, their application to build a new one-and-a-half storey detached house, along with an air source heat pump and biological treatment plant with partial soakaway, was initially rejected by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Planning case officer Joshua Scott wrote in his report: “The proposal is unacceptable in its siting and design in that the dwelling would not be in keeping with the character and design of the Mouswald Small Buildings Group by virtue of the materials proposed being at odds with the adjacent dwellings to the south.”
However, the Forsyths submitted an appeal which was considered by the council’s local review body last week.
Their agent, David Fallas, argued: “The appellants have lived in North Lodge for almost 30 years, have brought their family up there and been active members of the community and have no desire to move away.
“The brief to the architects was to provide a design of dwelling that meets their present living needs; is in-keeping with and characterises the natural landscape surrounding the plot; and features modern energy efficient construction techniques and materials that will enable them to have a truly sustainable lifestyle.
“Their current property is a large family home, too big for them now their family have grown up, and so it is time for the Lodge to become a family once again in this area when such properties are in demand but short in supply.
“It is the appellants’ submission this proposal, with its’ simple, geometrically correct proportions, plain detailing, and robust appearance, presents a well-considered interpretation of a neo-traditional Scottish dwelling, examples of which the council has previously accepted on several other sites across the region.”
Three letters of support were submitted from neighbours, while one other resident lodged an objection.
Castle Douglas and Crocketford Councillor Pauline Drysdale disagreed with the council officer’s decision and argued that the design “does relate well to the established character and design of the small buildings group”.
She proposed that the planning decision be overturned, which was seconded by Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Tony Berretti.
The committee agreed to reverse the original decision and grant planning permission for the new home.
