APPROVAL is on the cards for 27 holiday lodges/caravans at Beattock, despite concerns raised by the community council.
Beattock Manor Lodge Park are seeking planning permission for the accommodation, which they stress will be used as holiday rental only.
A layout plan has been submitted and a road through the site will need to be varied.
Planners are recommending approval of the application, with case officer Claire Eckstein saying: “The applicant has amended their application to all holiday use so there is to be no permanent residential units as part of this application.
“The proposal would see a typical layout for a caravan site and areas of new planting is proposed to soften the impact on the landscape.
“Overall, the layout, siting and design of the scheme is considered acceptable.”
However, Kirkpatrick Juxta Community Council hast lodged a formal objection. Their concerns centre on the footprint, number, layout and density of units, which members say are not sympathetic to nearby buildings and the area, and do not integrate well.
Furthermore, they are worried that some mature trees will need to be removed to allow for the development. and that there will be increases in noise and traffic.
In addition, they do not consider the scheme will help promote tourism locally and they say it could even harm existing tourism enterprises.
The occupants of Beattock House Hotel are also objectors as they fear their listed property will be overlooked and it will damage their setting. Light pollution, noise levels and the impact on the dark sky area are also raised.
Officials noted that there were were ten late representations, which included another objection and nine letters of support.
The bid will go before the council’s planning committee next week where the final decision will be made by councillors.
Meanwhile, the report also reveals that two of the existing units on the site are being occupied as permanent residential, which is in breach of planning conditions. The matter will be addressed separately.
