Officer Planning Report 04/02394/B

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:272369}} ### Considerations {{table:272364}} ### Written Representations We have received 1 private representation for this application. ### Consultations {{table:272365}} {{table:272366}} {{table:272367}} {{table:272368}} ### Policy

Officer's Report

The site represents the lands associated with the Outdoor Pursuits Centre located to the south west of West Baldwin Reservoir. The Centre comprises indoor facilities in the various buildings which are contained within the south eastern part of the site, accessed via a lane which also serves Ard Whallin House a farm worker's house built in the 1990s although it is a substantial size. Outdoor facilities also take the form of various ropes and wooden climbing equipment located to the west of the buildings.

The larger area is identified as the site as was the case with the previous two applications - PA 04/0288 and 01/01118 although not in earlier applications for the centre.

Proposed here is the erection of a Viking longhouse in the upper part of the field to the north west of the buildings. This will take the form of a dry stone walled structure which is 7m by 14m and 4.4m in height. The roof is to be finished in turf with timbers supporting it. There are to be no windows although there are no plans or elevations.

The occupant of Ard Whallin House has objected on the grounds of overlooking and invasion of privacy although the p structure is to be 140m away so there can be no sustainable objection on the grounds of overlooking from the new building itself. The objector asks when planning permission was granted for the change of use of this field to recreational purposes as sheep have been observed in this field.

I have spoken with both Mr. Morris who acknowledges that there will be no overlooking from the Viking longhouse but his concern is chiefly with the use of the field. The Centre is not aware of any problem with the use of this field although they acknowledge that it is not generally used in conjunction with the remainder of the site. I understand that the applicant is liaising with Mr. Morris regarding the swap of land which will provide Mr. Morris with more land to the rear of this property within which he will have control of the use. This would resolve the problem although this application is not really for the use of the field other than that part which relates to the Viking Longhouse.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision : Permitted

Date of Recommendation : 19.02.2005

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This approval relates to the construction of a Viking Longhouse as shown in drawings received on 22nd November, 2004 and 27th January, 2005 for use in conjunction with the outdoor pursuits centre at Ard Whallin.

Decision Made : ... Committee Meeting Date : ...