A BUSINESS owner was last week given the green light to convert a former storage building in Dalbeattie town centre into a house.
Jason McClurg, who runs Solway Plant Hire in the town, submitted a planning application to Dumfries and Galloway Council to transform the building in High Street (accessed via Burn Street).
He was granted permission to construct a two-bedroom house, with new windows and doors, rooflights, solar panels, and the installation of an energy efficient air source heat pump.
However, while councillors approved the plans last week, the matter has been referred to Scottish Ministers because the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) objected.
SEPA argued that there was “insufficient information” provided in relation to the flood risk on the site.
Council planning case officer Joshua Scott recommended the plans be approved.
In his planning report, he wrote: “The proposal comprises the change of use of the former storage building to form a two-bedroom dwellinghouse, facilitated through alterations and associated works.
“Alterations would include: the installation of six rooflights, formation of two new window openings, and amendments to existing door and window openings on north elevation, the installation of one first floor window on the west elevation, and installation of new windows within existing openings to south elevation.”
The proposal was discussed by councillors at last Thursday’s planning committee.
Despite SEPA’s flood risk warnings, Joshua Scott explained to elected members that the council’s flood risk management team had no concerns around flooding, having referred to a study carried out several years ago.
Abbey Councillor Kim Lowe proposed that the application be approved by Dumfries and Galloway Council, which was seconded by Lochar Councillor Ivor Hyslop.
Councillor Lowe said: “In regard to the flood risk, much of Dalbeattie is a flood risk.
“And looking at the building as it is under levels – just literally walking past it – most of the houses are on exactly the same level.
“I can’t see any objection in terms of the water level because, if that property was to be flooded, most of Dalbeattie would be too. So I’d be pleased if we could accept a recommendation that this shouldn’t be a problem.”
The applicant will now have to wait on a final decision from Holyrood.
