(c) Representations (Pages 237-248)
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 November 2024
Back to Local Review Body — 11 November 2024 and its agenda
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4(ii)(c) LRB-2024-38 LRB-2024-38 24/00558/FLL – Installation of shipping container (in retrospect, 2 Glenfarg Terrace, Perth, PH2 0AP REPRESENTATIONS
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Mrs Katie Johnston (Objects) Comment submitted date: Fri 10 May 2024 I wish to object to the approval of this application due to the unsightly mass of industrial steel shipping container located in the garden of a domestic house in full view of the neighbours and of passers by. It is completely inappropriate within a domestic setting and is contrary to Perth & Kinross Councils Placemaking policy as stated in the Local Development plan. Contrary to Policy 1A- It cannot possibly be perceived as contributing positively to the quality of the surrounding built and natural environment and the design, density and siting of the shipping container does not respect the character and amenity of the area. Contrary to Policy 1B - The proposal does not meet the following placemaking criteria: (c) The design and density should compliment its surroundings in terms of appearance, height, scale, massing, materials, finishes and colours.
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Application Ref: 24/00558/FLL – Installation of shipping container (in retrospect, 2 Glenfarg Terrace, Perth, PH2 0AP – Miss N Topping Further Objection K Johnston – Review of Shipping Container (2 Glenfarg terrace) 23/09/2024 I would like to further object to the appeal submitted by the occupant of 2 Glenfarg Terrace, Perth. Having read the appeal, I still stand by my initial objection that this mass of a shipping container whether covered or not should not be sited in a residential area and so close to the boundary line. Consideration was not given to the neighbours prior to the siting of the 40-foot shipping container which my property directly faces. The occupier states this was to be a temporary measure it has been sitting in the garden for well over a year now and I understand costs would be attached to purchasing this but that should have been considered prior to purchase and siting of the container without planning permission. No other neighbours have a shipping container in their garden as a “garden shed” in this residential area, the mass and size are not acceptable whether that provides extra security for her tools or not. I feel any cladding would not support the “better look” of the container as it may well enhance the mass and with adding a roof to me would almost represent a “home” and I’m sure planning permission for a property on that land was refused twice prior to this issue. In my view no additional measures can hide the fact that I am looking onto a 40 ft shipping container, covered or not, no amount of flowers or troughs are going to minimise the appearance and stature also with weather damage and environmental factors the nature of deterioration could be significant through time. It does not reflect a nice environmental feel to the area, and I have been resident at my property for over 10 years and appreciate the homeowner may be disappointed by the continued objection but if the appeal was successful where do we draw the line on what is acceptable on a residential property? I do hope that those who review the appeal can understand the frustration and disappointment of having to live opposite such an “out of character “addition to our neighbourhood. Kind Regards K Johnston Resident of Glengarry Road
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Response to “Further Objection from K Johnston” Having spent time considering the points of the letter received 1/10/2024, I would like to respond as follows: The containers position is within the boundary line (and the 100cm stipulated) and I feel that it is no different than having a fence, a garage or other garden structure at this point. The previous owners of this property had been using this area as a dumping ground with a very dilapidated (and dangerous) garage, as well as using it as a second driveway. It would be beneficial to have this as another entrance/exit to the property for safety as exiting onto the roundabout (which many people ignore and fly through) is incredibly dangerous. I will be looking to get the curb lowered at some point in the future, and a gate added to allow my dog full access to the gardens, but as I said, this will be reviewed once all other work has been completed. In regards to my neighbours comment about the temporary nature of the structure, I feel that by definition anything without solid foundations is temporary as it can be moved at any point. The duration of the placement of the container is a completely different point, and I hope that the review board and my neighbours understand that there is no definite timeline for the completion of this renovation project. This is due to a number of different factors, the main one being that the initial condition of the house was unfit for habitation,a point that I discussed with Mr Johnston when he introduced himself to me last year. I have attached some of the photos showing the condition of the property when I moved in so the review board can get a feel for the extent of the work that needed done. The renovation of this old house has been trying as the previous owners had been unable to keep up with general maintenance meaning that the whole building needed to be stripped back to the bones and built up again. This has been a costly and time consuming endeavour that has taken all of my energy which has unfortunately meant that I haven’t been able to make any of my planned improvements to the gardens, an area that I know my many neighbours are looking forward to me starting on! With the extensive gardens on this property, I will require a number of different tools to allow me to keep up with the maintenance needed for the diverse habitat surrounding the house. As a Craft, Design and Technology teacher at a local school, I also require a home workshop to allow me to keep up with my CPD, prepare for lessons and maintain my professional standards. I had very supportive neighbours in my previous house who weren’t offended by the noise these various tools made when working in my traditional wooden-shed type workshop. Being in a more residential area now, I felt that using this container with the additional sound-proofing that the internal insulation and external cladding will provide would be more considerate to my neighbours. It seems that the appearance of this structure is of the most concern to my neighbour, which I completely understand. They have a beautiful garden and well kept access way which I can only dream of at this stage in the project. I understand from my other neighbours that my property was once a showcase garden and I too feel their upset that it has been left to get to this current state. I would like to make sure that the review board, my neighbours and all other passers-by know that while I am by no means a gardener, I will do my best to enhance
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the appearance of the neighbourhood by improving the state of my gardens when time and nature allow. With the number of different trees and bushes in the garden turning dormant for winter, I understand that my neighbours will be able to see more of the container through the thinning leaves which isn’t ideal. I have been offered the use of a “camo-net” to cover the container in the hopes that it blends into the surroundings a little better, and although it is just a temporary fix, it should be more appealing to look at until the work can be undertaken in the garden. I note my neighbours concern with the appearance of the proposed cladding and would like to assure the review board that this would be well maintained to prevent unsightly deterioration, and would serve as the base board to create a biodiverse “living wall” which the previous rockface couldn’t support. With the flat roof of the container, there is also the possibility of having this living wall extend over the top, meaning it would be interesting to look at from all angles. This however, will take time for the plants to establish but I feel that keeping the area as natural as possible (using greens and browns) will help the transition of embedding this structure into the surrounding area. I am aware that planning permission has been refused for creating additional dwellings on the property and would like to assure the review board and my neighbours that I have no plans to approach this again. I would like to concentrate instead on making the extensive lands around the house into a peaceful sanctuary in which I can relax, grow fruit and vegetables for my pantry, and support the local wildlife. The placement of this container is solely for the storage of personal belongings during the final stages of the renovation of the house, the housing of garden tools, and a small non-commercial workshop for personal use. I do hope that the review board and my neighbours understand the trials I have faced over the last year and a half: the rising costs of storage, fuel, tools and materials; the challenges of relying on tradespeople to do the job you want, to the standard needed; and conducting this renovation while having a demanding full-time job. But more importantly that they appreciate the positive impact my soon-to-be well kept home, garden and outbuildings will have on the local area when complete, especially in such a prime position within the neighbourhood. Thank you for taking the time to review my application and the above comments which I hope will alleviate the concerns of my neighbours. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss any points within my application, supporting documentation or this letter in more detail. Yours faithfully, Nicola Enc. Please see supporting photos and comments below.
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I found old tiles under 2 layers of carpet in the sunroom, and an infestation of ants in the mouldy sub-floor. The whole area needed to be ripped out, the infestation dealt with, the foundations of the room raised, and a new subfloor put in before my flooring could go down. The downstairs toilet had mould everywhere, incorrectly fitted plumbing and another rotten sub-floor. Again, the foundations of this previous extension needed to be redressed, raised and the plumbing completely replaced.
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The gas boiler was not fit for use and had to be safely removed. I then discovered that the gas pipes throughout the house were corroded, and that the electrical wiring was outdated and extremely unsafe. All water pipes, gas pipes and electric cables had to be removed and the whole building re-wired and plumbed. The stairs to the second floor were in bad shape with evidence of wood worm. After consultation confirming that the woodworm had been eradicated, the whole structure needed additional support and the treads fixed or replaced. It looked like a lot of money had been spent on creating an accessible toilet at one point. The previous owner hadn’t been able to maintain it, and as such needed to be ripped out. When the flooring was taken up, I found more mould where the drain had been incorrectly fitted, and again the foundations needed raised and the subfloor replaced.
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The kitchen looked new at first glance, however the condition and placement of the electrics meant that the whole kitchen needed to be removed to allow the electrician access. When removed, I discovered black mould where pipes had corroded, and large gaps underneath the windows. Upon further inspection, all windows needed to be replaced after work was carried out to shore up and secure the frames. The garage and space beside it (where the container now stands) was an unsightly mess of ancient appliances, scrap wood and other debris. The garage itself was not secure in the fact it had no foundations and was likely to blow over in a storm. The roof was completely corroded and crumpled before I could take it off properly. The pergola (to the right of the picture) needed the roof completely replaced, beams supported and many planks replaced (not before I fell through a couple!!).
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