Planning in Principle Statement
0901067
The proposed development is in a rural area in the village of Glen Mona. It is of the applicant's opinion that the construction of a private dwelling on this site would not contravene the department's strategic policies on the grounds that there are existing dwellings on both sides of the site (seven properties in total), so there is no incursion further into the countryside. The site is a field which has been unused for many years and would naturally lend itself to a low-density high-quality "infill" dwelling between the adjacent properties. Planning permission has recently been granted to one of the existing properties a few doors away, Cedar Lodge, for a large two-storey extension.
The proposal is for a split-level private dwelling containing an open-plan living area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage, workshop and utility room. As the site is sloping, the development would have the appearance of a single-story dwelling from the road. The living accommodation would be at this level with the garage, workshop, utility and woodstore built underneath and accessed from the back of the property. As the plot is approximately 0.5 acre and the proposed dwelling will not be unusually large, overdevelopment of the site will be easily avoided.
The applicant is eager to build a property of contemporary design, but is willing to liaise with the planning officer over the style and finish that would be considered acceptable. Unfortunately, due to the planning officer being currently unavailable, the applicant has not yet had the opportunity to discuss any proposals, but would welcome doing so at the planning officer's earliest convenience. The applicant intends to construct a highly energyefficient property with the highest standard of finish, both internally and externally.
The site is currently bordered on both sides by mature trees, offering privacy to both adjacent properties. No trees will be removed or pruned as part of this proposal and they are sufficiently distant from the proposed area of works for their roots to be unaffected by any excavation work. The applicant is willing to plant an indigenous hedge between the property and the road to provide screening. This combined with the single-storey appearance from the road and the large garden will help to minimise any visual impact.
Access to the site is excellent as it adjoins the Glen Mona Loop Road. There are no corners or other obstacles to impair the safety of vehicles entering or leaving the site. Access has been discussed with a Highways Officer, Andrea Georgeson and there were no obvious issues. It was felt that the visibility was well in excess of 36 metres limit for a 30 MPH road from 2 metres inside the borderline with the road. The full application will contain details for a turning area and parking for at least 3 visiting vehicles in addition to the garaging for the owner's vehicles.
The services required are available from the road, except for sewerage. All the adjacent properties have private sewerage installations and due to the size and fall on this plot, it is highly unlikely that a similar arrangement would not suffice, subject to porosity testing as required for a full application.
