Ambitious bid to revamp a Kilmacolm farm is turned down

A series of major changes had been proposed to Slates Farm in Blackstoun Road in the village.

The plans were rejected by Inverclyde Council's planning board back in April, but the applicant. Mr A. White, lodged an appeal.

However, his attempt to have the decision reversed was defeated at a meeting of the authority's Local Review Body (LRB).

The plans included the erection of a two-storey house, incorporating a basement, following the demolition of an existing house.

Mr White also sought permission to refurbish and alter the farm's stables; to alter and convert a barn to form accommodation for guests or visitors; to erect a new agricultural building; to enlarge the farm's equestrian area following the demolition of an existing barn and stable block; and to make alterations to the existing parking area.

(Image: Lorraine Tinney)

Fresh information, in the form of an updated design statement in support of the application, was made available to councillors.

This stated that the farm was already operating an equestrian business and owners were simply extending this.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, speaking at the LRB's meeting, said three reasons had been identified for refusing the original application: the lack of a specific 'locational requirement' for the proposed house or visitor accommodation; the inappropriate scale and design of the proposal; and the plans' contravention of various development policies.

The additional information stated that because the plan involved a replacement house for an existing business, the 'locational requirement' had been met.

He was told he would have to consider the application "as a whole".

Councillor Jim Clocherty asked about the second reason regarding the 'appropriate scale' of the house', and said: "This is subjective. If it increased by 'X' amount it is acceptable and increased by 'Y' amount it is not acceptable. It is not black and white."

Council officer Margaret Pickett responded: "The figures are there. It is up to you to use your judgement."

Existing ancillary buildings at Slates Farm in Kilmacolm. (Image: Quigley Architects/Inverclyde Council)

Councillor John Crowther said: "In my view, this is the continuation of an existing business and if granted this would bring people into the area and this is something we should think about."

Councillor Natasha McGuire said that she was not convinced a business had been operating at the farm, and asked if there was more information to support this, but was told by officers that the updated design statement was all they had.

Councillor Graeme Brooks said he was in favour of the application, and put forward a motion to grant planning permission, while chair Councillor Tommy McVey put an amendment forward to uphold the previous refusal

The amendment was carried four votes to three.