AN Annan farmer’s bid to build a house on his land has been booted out by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Councillors who sit on the local authority’s planning committee visited Seafield Farm, owned by Mr Nelson, on February 11.
They wanted to assess the size of the site and the surroundings before making a decision on whether or not the applicant could construct a house, along with a septic tank and soakaway.
Mr Nelson claimed that the property is needed so that another farm worker can be present at Seafield Farm 24/7.
However, council planning case officer Iona Brooke wasn’t satisfied that a new house at this location is essential for the agricultural operations.
She also argued that it would contravene council rules on building in the countryside.
Having previously been deferred so that councillors could visit the farm themselves, the matter was brought back to the council’s local review body committee last week.
Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh, who chaired the local review body meeting, said: “Having read everything, including all the extra paperwork that came with this application, I would agree with the officer’s recommendation in the report.”
This was supported by Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Jim Dempster and North West Dumfries Councillor Emma Jordan.
There were no alternative views from the other councillors therefore the planning application was refused.
