Fairlie: Appeal over controversial house renovation

Officials at North Ayrshire Council had previously rejected the proposals for 14A Ferry Road, labelling the planned changes “visually jarring”.

The case will now be heard by councillors at meeting of the council’s Local Review Body on Wednesday, August 23 after the applicant behind the proposals appealed against the rejection.

The proposal on Ferry Road, which itself has seen extensive alterations over the years, is for a full renovation of the dwellinghouse including the erection of a two-storey extension to the rear.

Neil McNaught, who put forward the application, said that the renovations would create an “economically and environmentally friendly family home”.

However, planning officer John Mack rejected the proposals, saying the plans were not in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

He said: “It is considered that the design of the extension and alterations with regards to the proposed fenestration and finishing materials would not be consistent with the surrounding area.

“Whilst contemporary extensions to historic buildings can in some instances be visually pleasing, in this instance very little of the historic structure would remain.

“Subsequently, the result of having a dwellinghouse with a contemporary aesthetic at the end of a historic terrace would be visually jarring and would detract from the appearance of the area.

“Whilst it is noted that Ferry Row is not a listed building or in a conservation area, it has a historic appearance which is beneficial to the character and appearance of Fairlie.

“This historic character has been negatively affected by previous extensions and alterations to other dwellinghouses and it is considered that the proposal would have a further negative effect.”

Mr McNaught has now lodged an appeal against the decision, saying that too much scrutiny has been given to the proposal.

He said: “The handler’s decision for the refusal of the planning application has largely been based on subjective matters and is an opinion that my architect, neighbours and I strongly disagree with.

“The property urgently requires investment and upkeep and overall appears ‘run down’ and the proposed design will result in an economically and environmentally friendly family home.

“It will also maintain the character of the area and ‘bookend’ the row as it once did when the property was originally built.

“14A Ferry Row is not a listed building or in a conservation area and the level of scrutiny applied to this project has been inappropriate given the decision has been based purely on subjective matters.

“My family and I would implore anyone involved in the decision making for this appeal to visit Ferry Row  and judge for themselves whether the proposed changes would negatively impact the area.”

The appeal will be heard at North Ayrshire Council’s Local Review Body on Wednesday at 2.15pm.