Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair, Councillor Kieron Green, welcomed everyone to the meeting.  He explained that no person present would be entitled to speak other than the Members of the Local Review Body (LRB) and Mr Jackson, who would provide procedural advice if required.

He advised that his first task would be to establish if the Members of the LRB felt that they had sufficient information before them to come to a decision on the Review.

All Members of the LRB confirmed that they had sufficient information before them and the proceeded to determine the case.

Councillor Hardie advised that he had considered what the grounds for Review were, whether or not there was any new evidence admitted and whether or not there were any procedural errors.  He said that having considered all the evidence before him he could see no reason to grant this application and that he agreed with the Planning Officer’s decision to refuse this application for the reasons detailed at page 51 of the Agenda pack for today’s meeting.

Councillor Green said that he was largely in agreement with Councillor Hardie.  He referred to guidance available locally and nationally from different organisations in terms of how sensitive buildings should be treated.  He advised that he would have expected these guidelines to be followed in this instance, in terms of timber framing and double glazing, and that he was disappointed to see this had not been done.  He said that given the lack of sensitivity to the area with the proposed introduction of uPVC windows with standard double glazing, he felt he had no option but to agree with the previous decision made by the Planning Officer to refuse planning permission.

Councillor Wallace confirmed that he was in agreement with both Councillor Hardie and Councillor Green.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Local Review Body, having considered the merits of the case de novo, unanimously agreed to uphold the Planning Officer’s decision to refuse planning permission for the following reason:

1.    The proposed development is contrary to Policies 7 and 14 of NPF4 and Policies 01, 05, 08, 09 and 17 of the Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan 2 in that it would, if permitted, undermine the host building’s architectural/historic character and setting and fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Port Charlotte Conservation Area.

(Reference: Notice of Review and Supporting Documents; comments by Planning Officer; and comments by Applicant, submitted)