A DUMFRIES property owner’s bid to convert a basement into a flat has been opposed due to concerns around flood risk.
Ted McKie has submitted a planning application to Dumfries and Galloway Council to convert the basement area of the building at 44 Galloway Street.
The proposal would see internal changes to facilitate a new bathroom and kitchen, and external changes including reduction of two window heights.
As this is a category C listed building located within the Dumfries Conservation Area, the matter is to involve Scottish ministers. Council planning officers are recommending that the application is approved, however the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) have lodged an objection.
SEPA argued: “The proposal increases vulnerability on site at risk of flooding.”
The matter will be discussed members of the planning committee next Wednesday.
Planning papers state: “The application site relates to a category C listed building beside Buccleuch Street Bridge in Dumfries.
“The building is listed for notable features including basket arched openings, four-pane sash windows, gable end stack, and graded slate roofing.
“The part of the building which the subject to this planning application is situated at the western end of the building with the gable end forming part of the river embankment wall.
“The basement is currently used for storage, the ground floor unit is a shop, and the upper floor is a flatted dwelling. Only the basement is the subject of this application.
“In addition to being a category C listed building itself, it also forms part of a category B group listing with 1-4 Galloway Street and Buccleuch Street Bridge. This group of heritage assets are all located within the Dumfries Conservation Area.
“Given the close proximity to the River Nith, the site also has a medium-low flood risk.”
