A GRETNA woman is hoping to convince councillors that she should be granted permission to build two new houses on her land.
Gillian Norman is seeking planning permission in principle to construct the homes on a piece of agricultural land next to her home on Annan Road – which sits opposite the former Gretna Golf course entrance.
While planning officers are of the opinion that the application should be rejected, Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh has called the matter to the attention of the full planning committee.
Councillors sitting on the committee will review the house building bid next Wednesday and weigh it up with the planning official’s recommendation before making a final decision.
A report due to be tabled at the meeting revealed that no indicative plans for the layout or house designs have been provided yet, but that access would be created off the B721 road and there are no issues with connection to public water and drainage networks.
The report states: “The application site sits on the north side of the B721, beyond the western edge of Gretna, outwith the settlement boundary, approximately 825m from the town centre.
“The rectangular site forms part of an agricultural field currently used as a paddock which is bounded by hedges and fencing. The site lies to the east of applicant’s property, a smallholding comprising a relatively modern, detached single storey dwellinghouse, with detached stables and an agricultural outbuildings to the rear.”
Mrs Norman is arguing that the development would provide low cost housing for two local young adults.
She also says that it would considerably improve road safety at this spot in Gretna and would reduce complaints to Dumfries and Galloway Council and Police Scotland relating to speeding.
The report adds: “The development would bring additional, improved internal support for a vulnerable member of the community.”
However, planning official Claire Eckstein is recommending refusal on the grounds that the application does not meet national planning policies and contravenes the local development plan policy on housing in the countryside.
She said: “It has not been demonstrated that there is an essential need for two dwellinghouses in this location.”
