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Agenda Document Pack - Local Review Body - 13/05/2024

Midlothian Council · 13 May 2024
Back to Local Review Body — 13 May 2024 and its agenda

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Notice of Meeting and Agenda 
Local Review Body 
Venue:  Council Chambers/Hybrid, 
Midlothian House, Dalkeith, EH22 1DN 
Date:  Monday, 13 May 2024 
Time:  13:00 
Executive Director : Place 
Contact:
Clerk Name: Democratic Services
Clerk Telephone: 
Clerk Email: democratic.services@midlothian.gov.uk 
Further Information: 
This is a meeting which is open to members of the public.  
Privacy notice: Please note that this meeting may be recorded. The
recording may be publicly available following the meeting. If you would
like to know how Midlothian Council collects, uses and shares your
personal information, please visit our website: www.midlothian.gov.uk 
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1          Welcome, Introductions and Apologies   
2          Order of Business 
Including notice of new business submitted as urgent for consideration at the
end of the meeting. 
3          Declaration of Interest 
Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in
the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item
and the nature of their interest. 
4          Minute of Previous Meeting
4.1 Minute of meeting of 25 March 2024 submitted for approval 3 - 8 
5          Public Reports 
Notice of Reviews - Determination Reports by Chief Officer Place 
5.1 23.00751.DPP - 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses 9 - 28
5.2 23.00753.DPP - 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall 29 - 52 
6          Private Reports 
No items for discussion 
7          Date of Next Meeting 
The next meeting will be held on Monday 17 June 2024. 
Plans and papers relating to the applications on this agenda can also be
viewed at https://planning-applications.midlothian.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning 
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Minute of Meeting 
Local Review Body 
Date Time Venue
Monday 25 March 2024 1.00pm Council Chambers/Hybrid 
Present: 
Councillor Alexander Councillor McEwan
Councillor Bowen Councillor Smaill
Councillor Cassidy Councillor Virgo
Councillor Imrie (Chair) 
In Attendance: 
Peter Arnsdorf Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager
Lucy Roddie Democratic Services Officer
Hannah Forbes Assistant Democratic Services Officer   
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1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies 
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor McManus, Councillor
Milligan and Councillor Drummond. 
2 Order of Business 
The order of business was as outlined in the agenda. 
3 Declarations of interest 
No declarations of interest were intimated at this stage of the proceedings. 
4 Minute of Previous Meeting 
The Minute of the Meeting of 5 February 2024 was submitted and approved as a
correct record. 
5 Reports
Notice of Reviews – Determination Reports by Chief Officer Place
Agenda No Report Title Presented by:
5.1 23.00707.DPP - 8 Springfield Place, Roslin Planning, Sustainable
Growth and
Investment Manager
Outline of report and summary of discussion
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager presented the report. The
purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the Local Review Body (LRB) to
consider a ‘Notice of Review’ for a change of use from long term let (class 9) to short
term let (sui generis) (retrospective) at 8 Springfield Place, Roslin. 
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager reported that planning
application 23/00684/DPP was refused planning permission on 15 December 2023. 
It was noted that elected members had attended a site visit on the morning of 25
March 2024. 
Councillor Imrie, the Chair, thanked the Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment
Manager for the report and opened it up to questions. 
The Local Review Body noted that no objections or complaints from neighbours had
been received. 
Upon a request for further information regarding the differences between long-term
and short-term lets, the Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager
commented that short-term lets are likely to see a higher turnover of occupants in a
manner dissimilar to that of permanent/long term residences, resulting in different
vehicle movements and parking activity. It is likely that the occupants of short-term let
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properties will use different facilities. The Local Review Body requested that the
Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager prepare a paper for the
Committee’s information regarding short and long term lets. 
Councillor Smaill, seconded by Councillor Virgo, moved to uphold the review request
and grant planning permission. 
Decision
The Local Review Body agreed to uphold the review request and to grant planning
permission for a change of use from long term let (class 9) to short term let (sui
generis) (retrospective) at 8 Springfield Place, Roslin.
Action
1. The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager to prepare a
decision notice for issuing through the Chair of the LRB.
2. The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager to prepare a paper
for information regarding short and long term lets. 
Agenda No Report Title Presented by:
5.2 23.00684.DPP - 40 Charlton Grove, Roslin Planning, Sustainable
Growth and
Investment Manager
Outline of report and summary of discussion
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager presented the report. The
purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the Local Review Body (LRB) to
consider a ‘Notice of Review’ for the erection of an extension to dwellinghouse (part
retrospective) at 40 Charlton Grove, Roslin. 
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager reported that planning
application 23/00684/DPP was refused planning permission on 11 December 2023. 
It was noted that elected members had attended a site visit on the morning of 25
March 2024. 
The Chair thanked the Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager for the
report and opened it up to questions. 
In responding to a question from an Elected Member, the Planning, Sustainable
Growth and Investment Manager provided further information on the consultation
process. The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager confirmed that
neighbouring residents had been given the opportunity to put forward their views and
no objections had been received. 
The Local Review Body noted that the existing single storey extension had not been
completed in accordance with the approved planning application and requested
further information in this regard. The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment
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Manager reported that the extension had deviated from the approved height and
dimensions.
Decision
The Local Review Body agreed to uphold the review request and to grant planning
permission for the erection of an extension to dwellinghouse (part retrospective) at 40
Charlton Grove, Roslin. This was unanimously agreed by the Committee.
Action
Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager to prepare a decision notice
for issuing through the Chair of the LRB. 
Agenda No Report Title Presented by:
5.3 23.00708.PPP - Land South West of St
Roberts Croft, Nine Mile Burn, Penicuik
Planning, Sustainable
Growth and
Investment Manager
Outline of report and summary of discussion
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager presented the report. The
purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the Local Review Body (LRB) to
consider a ‘Notice of Review’ for planning permission in principle for the erection of
dwellinghouse on land south west of St Roberts Croft, Nine Mile Burn, Penicuik. 
The Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager reported that planning
application 23/00708/PPP was refused planning permission on 15 December 2023. 
It was noted that elected members had attended a site visit on the morning of 25
March 2024. 
The Chair thanked the Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager for the
report and opened it up to questions. 
The Local Review Body noted that the site forms part of an existing housing group at
Nine Mile Burn. The Local Review Body noted that the 5+1 guidance was relevant to
this case. The Supplementary Guidance for Housing Development in the Countryside
and Green Belt provides some support for the development of one house where there
is a group of 5 or more existing dwellinghouses, however, there is no further potential
for additional houses in the current Midlothian Local Development Plan (MLDP)
period, as planning permission has already been granted for the erection of one house
on an adjacent site within this established housing group. 
The Local Review Body noted that there may be scope for an additional dwellinghouse
within the next local plan period or in MLDP2. 
In considering the Notice of Review, the Local Review Body noted that the proposed
dwelling, by means of its siting, complements the existing cluster of dwellinghouses. 
Decision
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The Local Review Body upheld the review request and granted planning permission
in principle for the erection of dwellinghouse on land south west of St Roberts Croft,
Nine Mile Burn, Penicuik, subject to the conditions as set out in the report. This was
unanimously agreed by the Committee. 
Action
Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager to prepare a decision notice
for issuing through the Chair of the LRB. 
6. Private Reports 
No private business was discussed. 
7. Date of Next Meeting 
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 13 May 2024 at 13:00pm. 
The meeting terminated at 13:55.
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Local Review Body
Monday 13 May 2025 
Item No 
Notice of Review: 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses
Determination Report 
Report by Chief Officer Place 
1 Purpose of Report 
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the Local
Review Body (LRB) to consider a ‘Notice of Review’ for the formation of
dormer windows at 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses. 
2 Background 
2.1 Planning application 23/00751/DPP for the formation of dormer
windows at 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses was refused planning
permission on 19 January 2024; a copy of the decision is attached to
this report.   
2.2 The review has progressed through the following stages: 
1 Submission of Notice of Review by the applicant.
2 The Registration and Acknowledgement of the Notice of Review.
3 Carrying out Notification and Consultation. 
3 Supporting Documents 
3.1 Attached to this report are the following documents: 
• A site location plan (Appendix A); 
• A copy of the notice of review form and supporting statement 
(Appendix B). Any duplication of information is not attached; 
• A copy of the case officer’s report (Appendix C);
• A copy of the decision notice, excluding the standard advisory
notes, issued on 19 January 2024 (Appendix D); and
• A copy of the key plans/drawings (Appendix E). 
3.2 The full planning application case file and the development plan
policies referred to in the case officer’s report can be viewed online via
www.midlothian.gov.uk.   
4 Procedures 
4.1 In accordance with agreed procedures, the LRB: 
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• Have determined to undertake a site visit (only elected members
attending the site visit can participate in the determination of the
review); and
• Have determined to progress the review by written submissions. 
4.2 The case officer’s report identified that there were no consultations and
no representations received. 
4.3 The next stage in the process is for the LRB to determine the review in
accordance with the agreed procedure: 
• Identify any provisions of the development plan which are relevant 
to the decision;
• Interpret them carefully, looking at the aims and objectives of the 
plan as well as detailed wording of policies;
• Consider whether or not the proposal accords with the 
development plan;
• Identify and consider relevant material considerations for and 
against the proposal; 
• Assess whether these considerations warrant a departure from the 
development plan; and
• State the reason/s for the decision and state any conditions 
required if planning permission is granted.   
4.4 In reaching a decision on the case the planning advisor can advise on
appropriate phraseology and on appropriate planning reasons for
reaching a decision. 
4.5 Following the determination of the review the planning advisor will
prepare a decision notice for issuing through the Chair of the LRB.  A
copy of the decision notice will be reported back to the LRB for noting. 
4.6 A copy of the LRB decision will be placed on the planning authority’s
planning register and made available for inspection online. 
5 Conditions 
5.1 In accordance with the procedures agreed by the LRB at its meeting of
20 June 2022, and without prejudice to the determination of the review,
the following conditions have been prepared for the consideration of
the LRB if it is minded to uphold the review and grant planning
permission. 
1. The development to which this permission relates shall commence
no later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of
this permission. 
Reason: To accord with the provisions of Section 58 of the Town
and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by the
Planning (Scotland) Act 2019). 
2. Details of the external materials and finishes of the dormers shall be
submitted to the planning authority and no work shall start on the
dormers until these details have been approved in writing by the
planning authority.
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Reason: In order to ensure that the proposed materials are
sympathetic in order to minimise the impact of the dormers on the
character of the existing building and the visual amenity  of the
surrounding area.   
6 Recommendations 
6.1 It is recommended that the LRB: 
a) determine the review; and 
b) the planning advisor draft and issue the decision of the LRB 
through the Chair 
Peter Arnsdorf
Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager 
Date:  3 May 2024
Report Contact:     Ingrid Forteath, Planning Officer
Ingrid.Forteath@midlothian.gov.uk 
Background Papers: Planning application 23/00751/DPP available for
inspection online.
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Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the
controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Crown copyright reserved.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to
prosecution or civil  proceedings
Midlothian Council Licence No. AC0000811376 (2024)
Midlothian Council
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith
EH22 3AA
Planning Service
Place Directorate
Formation of dormers at 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses,
Dalkeith, EH22 4DX
File No: 23/00751/DPP
Scale:1:750 ±
Appendix A
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Page 1 of 5
Fairfield House 8 Lothian Road Dalkeith EH22 3ZN  Tel: 0131 271 3302  Fax: 0131 271 3537  Email: planning-
applications@midlothian.gov.uk
Applications cannot be validated until all the necessary documentation has been submitted and the required fee has been paid.
Thank you for completing this application form:
ONLINE REFERENCE 100652053-002
The online reference is the unique reference for your online form only. The  Planning Authority will allocate an Application Number when
your form is validated. Please quote this reference if you need to contact the planning Authority about this application.
Applicant or Agent Details
Are you an applicant or an agent? * (An agent is an architect, consultant or someone else acting
on behalf of the applicant in connection with this application)  Applicant  Agent
Agent Details
Please enter Agent details
Company/Organisation:
Ref. Number: You must enter a Building Name or Number, or both: *
First Name: * Building Name:
Last Name: * Building Number:
Address 1
Telephone Number: * (Street): *
Extension Number: Address 2:
Mobile Number: Town/City: *
Fax Number: Country: *
Postcode: *
Email Address: *
Is the applicant an individual or an organisation/corporate entity? *
 Individual  Organisation/Corporate entity
Lothian Plans
Stephen
Lothian
Laidlaw Gardens
18
07960366691
EH33 2QH
Scotland
Tranent
stephen@lothianplans.com
Appendix B
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Applicant Details
Please enter Applicant details
Title: You must enter a Building Name or Number, or both: *
Other Title: Building Name:
First Name: * Building Number:
Address 1
Last Name: * (Street): *
Company/Organisation Address 2:
Telephone Number: * Town/City: *
Extension Number: Country: *
Mobile Number: Postcode: *
Fax Number:
Email Address: *
Site Address Details
Planning Authority:
Full postal address of the site (including postcode where available):
Address 1:
Address 2:
Address 3:
Address 4:
Address 5:
Town/City/Settlement:
Post Code:
Please identify/describe the location of the site or sites
Northing Easting
Mrs
30 LEIGHTON CRESCENT
Barbara
Midlothian Council
Ramsey
EASTHOUSES
Leighton crescent
30
DALKEITH
EH22 4DX
EH22 4DX
Scotland
665329
Dalkeith
334497
Easthouses
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Description of Proposal
Please provide a description of your proposal to which your review relates. The description should be the same as given in the
application form, or as amended with the agreement of the planning authority: *
(Max 500 characters)
Type of Application
What type of application did you submit to the planning authority? *
 Application for planning permission (including householder application but excluding application to work minerals).
 Application for planning permission in principle.
 Further application.
 Application for approval of matters specified in conditions.
What does your review relate to? *
 Refusal Notice.
 Grant of permission with Conditions imposed.
 No decision reached within the prescribed period (two months after validation date or any agreed extension) – deemed refusal.
Statement of reasons for seeking review
You must state in full, why you are a seeking a review of the planning authority’s decision (or failure to make a decision). Your statement
must set out all matters you consider require  to be taken into account in determining your review. If necessary this can be provided as a
separate document in the ‘Supporting Documents’ section: *  (Max 500 characters)
Note: you are unlikely to have a further opportunity to add to your statement of appeal at a later date, so it is essential that you produce
all of the information you want the decision-maker to take into account.
You should not however raise any new matter which was not before the planning authority at the time it decided your application (or at
the time expiry of the period of determination), unless you can demonstrate that the new matter could not have been raised before that
time or that it not being raised before that time is a consequence of exceptional circumstances.
Have you raised any matters which were not before the appointed officer  at the time the  Yes  No
Determination on your application was made? *
If yes, you should explain in the box below, why you are raising the new matter, why it was not raised with the appointed officer before
your application was determined and why you consider it should be considered in your review: * (Max 500 characters)
New Dormers to front and back of house
We feel that the refusal is unjustified and that we have designed a proposal that keeps in with the surrounding area and also
within planning guidance.
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Page 4 of 5
Please provide a list of all supporting documents, materials and evidence which you wish to submit with your notice of review and intend
to rely on in support of your review. You can attach these documents electronically later in the process: * (Max 500 characters)
Application Details
Please provide the application reference no. given to you by your planning
authority for your previous application.
What date was the application submitted to the planning authority? *
What date was the decision issued by the planning authority? *
Review Procedure
The Local Review Body will decide on the procedure to be used to determine your review and may at any time during the review
process require that further information or representations be made to enable them to determine the review. Further information may be
required by one or a combination of procedures, such as: written submissions; the holding of one or more hearing sessions and/or
inspecting the land which is the subject of the review case.
Can this review continue to a conclusion, in your opinion, based on a review of the relevant information provided by yourself and other
parties only,  without any further procedures? For example, written submission, hearing session, site inspection. *
 Yes  No
In the event that the Local Review Body appointed to consider your application decides to inspect the site, in your opinion:
Can the site be clearly seen from a road or public land? *  Yes  No
Is it possible for the site to be accessed safely and without barriers to entry? *  Yes  No
Checklist – Application for Notice of Review
Please complete the following checklist to make sure  you have provided all the necessary information in support of your appeal. Failure
to submit all this  information may result in your appeal  being deemed invalid.
Have you provided the name and address of the applicant?.  *  Yes  No
Have you provided the date and reference number of the application which is the subject of this  Yes  No
review? *
If you are the agent, acting on behalf of the applicant, have you provided details of your name  Yes  No  N/A
and address and indicated whether any notice or correspondence required in connection with the
review should be sent to you or the applicant? *
Have you provided a statement setting out your reasons for requiring a review and by what  Yes  No
procedure (or combination of procedures) you wish the review to be conducted? *
Note: You must state, in full, why you are seeking a review on your application. Your statement must set out all matters you consider
require to be taken into account in determining your review. You may not have a further opportunity to add to your statement of review
at a later date. It is therefore essential that you submit with your notice of review, all necessary information and evidence that you rely
on and wish the Local Review Body to consider as part of your review.
Please attach a copy of all documents, material and evidence which you intend to rely on  Yes  No
(e.g. plans and Drawings) which are now the subject of this review *
Note: Where the review relates to a further application e.g. renewal of planning permission or modification, variation or removal of a
planning condition or where it relates to an application for approval of matters specified in conditions, it is advisable to provide the
application reference number, approved plans and decision notice (if any) from the earlier consent.
Images of nearby properties(dormers) and a supporting statement.
23/00751/DPP
22/01/2024
16/11/2023
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Declare – Notice of Review
I/We the applicant/agent certify that this is an application for review on the grounds stated.
Declaration Name: Mr Stephen Lothian
Declaration Date: 05/03/2024
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SUPPORTING STATEMENT IN REPLY TO - MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL
PLANNING APPLICATION DECISION NOTICE REFERENCE NO: 
23/00751/DPP 
Dear Local review body, 
We started this planning application with the intention of trying to design a dormer window
for the property that would fit nicely within the area and to planning guidance.   
Prior to designing the scheme we looked around the street in close proximity to the property
in question and got a feel for what president had already been set and found a number of
different sized and styled dormers that had been constructed which can be seen from the
street(which should be considered during applications). 
We then designed a traditional style dormer with traditional widows that would fit in with
the surrounding area with the intention to use materials that matched the existing house. 
As per the council's planning guidance, the dormer was set out at approx 1/3rd of the roofs
length in size to keep the scale correct for a front dormer and we have kept the existing roof
tiles visible on all four side.   
We feel very strongly that the design fits in with planning guidance and what has been built
already in the area which can be viewed on the supporting supplied images of local
properties which are all very close and can be viewed from the same street. 
We hope that you will agree that we have designed a perfectly suitable addition to the
house and grant permission for this design to be constructed. 
Kind regards, 
Stephen Lothian - Lothian Plans. 
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MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL 
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT 
PLANNING APPLICATION DELEGATED WORKSHEET: 
Planning Application Reference: 23/00751/dpp 
Site Address: 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses 
Site Description:
The application property comprises a semi-detached dwellinghouse, with
accommodation at first floor level in the roofspace, and its associated garden located
within a residential area. The house is finished externally in drydash render with a
slate roof and white upvc window frames.  There is an existing single storey flat roof
extension at the rear of the house. 
Proposed Development:
Formation of dormers 
Proposed Development Details:
It is proposed to install a 3.25/3.4m (plans scale at 3.25m but are annotated that the
dormer is 3.4m wide) wide flat roof dormer at the front of the house and a 1.7m wide
solid flat roof dormer at the rear of the house.  The rear dormer has a rooflight but no
window openings.  External materials have not been specified. 
Background (Previous Applications, Supporting Documents, Development
Briefs):
History sheet checked. 
00/00562 – Installation of rear dormer extension at 30 Leighton Crescent – pp
18.04.01 – 2 box dormers, incorporating windows, measuring 1.5m wide and 2m
high. 
In relation to policy 1 of NPF4 the agent has advised that it is intended to use natural
and reclaimed materials and a local contractor;  materials to be sourced locally
where possible; build to comply with building regulations in relation to insulation and
energy efficiency; and bee and bird bricks to be fitted where possible. 
Consultations:
None required. 
Representations:
None received. 
Relevant Planning Policies: 
Planning policy currently comprises National Planning Framework 4 and the adopted
Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017. The following policies are relevant to the
proposal: 
Appendix C
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NPF4 
Policy 1 Tackling the climate and nature crises
When considering all development proposals significant weight will be given to the
global climate and nature crises. 
Policy 14 Design, quality and place
a) Development proposals will be designed to improve the quality of an area whether
in urban or rural locations and regardless of scale. 
c) Development proposals that are poorly designed, detrimental to the amenity of the
surrounding area or inconsistent with the six qualities of successful places, will not
be supported. 
Policy 16  Quality homes
g) Householder development proposals will be supported where they: 
i. do not have a detrimental impact on the character or environmental quality of the
home and the surrounding area in terms of size, design and materials; and 
ii. do not have a detrimental effect on the neighbouring properties in terms of
physical impact, overshadowing or overlooking. 
h) Householder development proposals that provide adaptations in response to risks
from a changing climate, or relating to people with health conditions that lead to
particular accommodation needs will be supported. 
The relevant policy of the Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017 is; 
DEV2 – Protecting amenity within the built-up area - seeks to protect the character
and amenity of the built-up area. 
It is noted that policy DP6 House Extensions, from the now superseded 2008
Midlothian Local Plan, set out design guidance for new extensions requiring that they
are well designed in order to maintain or enhance the appearance of the house and
the locality. The policy guidelines contained in DP6 also relate to size of extensions,
materials, impact on neighbours and remaining garden area. It also states that front
porches to detached or semi-detached houses are usually acceptable provided they
project less than two metres out from the front of the house. It also allowed for novel
architectural solutions. Policy DP6 also provided specific guidance with respect to
dormer extensions. In particular, dormers should not extend, other than to a limited
extent beyond the glazed area, i.e. they should be dormer windows rather than box
dormers, and should not occupy a predominant proportion of the existing roof area.
The guidance set out within this policy has been successfully applied to development
proposals throughout Midlothian and will be reflected within the Council’s
Supplementary Guidance on Quality of Place which is currently being drafted. 
Supplementary Planning Guidance – Dorner Extensions - This was prepared in part
due to a growing concern regarding the increasing size of dormers and the impact of
large box dormer extensions on the character of the original building and on the
visual amenity of the surrounding area. 
Planning Issues:
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The main planning issue to be considered is whether or not the proposal complies
with the development plan policies and, if not, whether there are any material
planning considerations which would otherwise justify approval.   
Given that recently published building regulations require increased insulation in
house extensions, which helps reduce heat loss and can reduce energy
consumption in the home, the proposed development will contribute to addressing
the global climate crises. The proposed development will not exacerbate the global
nature crises. Therefore the proposed development complies with the aims of policy
1 of NPF4. 
At 3.25/3.4m wide the proposed dormer on the front of the cottage will be a very
prominent feature at roof level. The only other dormers at Leighton Crescent are on
the front of no. 10 and are shown as being 1.7m wide on the approved plans (pa ref:
06/00851/ful.) The large box-like design is out of keeping and unsympathetic to and
would detract from the conventional pitched roof form of the building and the
principal elevation of the cottage. The unsatisfactory relationship of the dormer to the
cottage will also result in a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the street
scene. 
The large solid box-like design, exacerbated by the lack of any windows, of the
dormer window proposed at the rear of the house is out of keeping and
unsympathetic to and would detract from the conventional pitched roof form of the
building and the visual amenity of the surrounding area.  However the size of the
rear dormer accords with what would ordinarily constitute permitted development
with planning permission only being  required as it will be within 0.3m of the
boundary with the roof of the neighbouring property which forms the other half of the
semi-detached pair.  The rear dormer will not have a significant impact on the
character of the house, the visual amenity of the surrounding area or the amenity of
neighbouring properties as compared to the impact arising from what could ordinarily
be installed as permitted development. 
Recommendation:
Refuse planning permission 
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Refusal of Planning Permission
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 
Reg. No.   23/00751/DPP 
Lothian Plans
18 Laidlaw Gardens
Tranent
EH33 2QH 
Midlothian Council, as Planning Authority, having considered the application by Mrs
Barbara Ramsey, 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses, EH22 4DX, which was registered on
30 November 2023 in pursuance of their powers under the above Acts, hereby refuse
permission to carry out the following proposed development: 
Formation of dormers at 30 Leighton Crescent, Easthouses, Dalkeith, EH22 4DX 
in accordance with the application and the following documents/drawings: 
Document/Drawing. Drawing No/Scale Dated
Location Plan 30LC-PL1 1:500 30.11.2023
Existing And Proposed Floor Plans
Sections And Elevations
30LC-PL2 A 1:100 1:50 30.11.2023 
The reasons for the Council's decision are set out below:  
1. The proposed front dormer extension, on account of its size, would appear as an
unduly dominant feature at roof level, the design of which is unsympathetic to, and
would detract from, the form of the roof of the building, the character and
appearance of the principal elevation of the application property and the visual
amenity of the street scene.  
2. For the above reasons the proposals are contrary to the aims of policies 14 and 16
of NPF4 and DEV2 of the adopted Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017 which
seek to improve the quality of an area, resist poorly designed development and
protect the character or environmental quality of the home and the surrounding
area. 
Dated    19 / 1 / 2024 
……………………………..
Duncan Robertson
Lead Officer – Local Developments Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3ZN 
Appendix D
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Page 27

Any Planning Enquiries should be directed to:
Planning and Local Authority Liaison
Direct Telephone:  01623 637 119 (Planning Enquiries)
Email:  planningconsultation@coal.gov.uk 
Website: www.gov.uk/coalauthority
INFORMATIVE NOTE
The proposed development lies within an area that has been defined by the Coal Authority
as containing coal mining features at surface or shallow depth.  These features may
include: mine entries (shafts and adits); shallow coal workings; geological features (fissures
and break lines); mine gas and former surface mining sites.  Although such features are
seldom readily visible, they can often be present and problems can occur, particularly as a
result of new development taking place.  
Any form of development over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry can be
dangerous and raises significant land stability and public safety risks.  As a general
precautionary principle, the Coal Authority considers that the building over or within the
influencing distance of a mine entry should be avoided.  In exceptional circumstance where
this is unavoidable, expert advice must be sought to ensure that a suitable engineering
design which takes into account all the relevant safety and environmental risk factors,
including mine gas and mine-water.  Your attention is drawn to the Coal Authority Policy in
relation to new development and mine entries available at: 
www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-on-or-within-the-influencing-distance-of-mine
-entries
Any intrusive activities which disturb or enter any coal seams, coal mine workings or coal
mine entries (shafts and adits) requires a Coal Authority Permit.  Such activities could
include site investigation boreholes, excavations for foundations, piling activities, other
ground works and any subsequent treatment of coal mine workings and coal mine entries
for ground stability purposes.  Failure to obtain a Coal Authority Permit for such activities is
trespass, with the potential for court action.  
If any coal mining features are unexpectedly encountered during development, this should
be reported immediately to the Coal Authority on 0345 762 6848.  Further information is
available on the Coal Authority website at:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-coal-authority  
Informative Note valid from 1st January 2023 until 31st December 2024
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Appendix E
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Page 29

Local Review Body
Monday 13 May 2025
Item No
Notice of Review: 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall
Determination Report
Report by Chief Officer Place
1 Purpose of Report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the Local
Review Body (LRB) to consider a ‘Notice of Review’ for the erection of
a 1.8m timber fence and consequential demolition of wall and change to
landscaping at 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall.
2 Background
2.1 Planning application 23/00753/DPP for the erection of a 1.8m timber
fence and consequential demolition of wall and change to landscaping
at 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall was refused planning permission on
19 January 2024; a copy of the decision is attached to this report.  
2.2 The review has progressed through the following stages:
1 Submission of Notice of Review by the applicant.
2 The Registration and Acknowledgement of the Notice of Review.
3 Carrying out Notification and Consultation.
3 Supporting Documents
3.1 Attached to this report are the following documents:
• A site location plan (Appendix A);
• A copy of the notice of review form and supporting statement
(Appendix B). Any duplication of information is not attached;
• A copy of the case officer’s report (Appendix C);
• A copy of the decision notice, excluding the standard advisory
notes, issued on 19 January 2024 (Appendix D); and
• A copy of the key plans/drawings (Appendix E).
3.2 The full planning application case file and the development plan
policies referred to in the case officer’s report can be viewed online via
www.midlothian.gov.uk.  
4 Procedures
4.1 In accordance with agreed procedures, the LRB:
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Page 30

• Have determined to undertake a site visit (only elected members
attending the site visit can participate in the determination of the
review); and
• Have determined to progress the review by written submissions.
4.2 The case officer’s report identified that there were no consultations and
no representations received.
4.3 The next stage in the process is for the LRB to determine the review in
accordance with the agreed procedure:
• Identify any provisions of the development plan which are relevant
to the decision;
• Interpret them carefully, looking at the aims and objectives of the
plan as well as detailed wording of policies;
• Consider whether or not the proposal accords with the
development plan;
• Identify and consider relevant material considerations for and
against the proposal;
• Assess whether these considerations warrant a departure from the
development plan; and
• State the reason/s for the decision and state any conditions
required if planning permission is granted.
4.4 In reaching a decision on the case the planning advisor can advise on
appropriate phraseology and on appropriate planning reasons for
reaching a decision. 
4.5 Following the determination of the review the planning advisor will
prepare a decision notice for issuing through the Chair of the LRB.  A
copy of the decision notice will be reported back to the LRB for noting.
4.6 A copy of the LRB decision will be placed on the planning authority’s
planning register and made available for inspection online. 
5 Conditions
5.1 In accordance with the procedures agreed by the LRB at its meeting of
20 June 2022, and without prejudice to the determination of the review,
the following condition has been prepared for the consideration of the
LRB if it is minded to uphold the review and grant planning permission.
1. The development to which this permission relates shall commence
no later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of
this permission.
Reason: To accord with the provisions of Section 58 of the Town
and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by the
Planning (Scotland) Act 2019).
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Page 31

6 Recommendations
6.1 It is recommended that the LRB:
a) determine the review; and
b) the planning advisor draft and issue the decision of the LRB
through the Chair
Peter Arnsdorf
Planning, Sustainable Growth and Investment Manager
Date:  3 May 2024
Report Contact:     Mhairi-Anne Cowie, Planning Officer
Mhairi-Anne.Cowie@midlothian.gov.uk
Background Papers: Planning application 23/00753/DPP available for
inspection online.
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Page 32

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the
controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Crown copyright reserved.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to
prosecution or civil  proceedings
Midlothian Council Licence No. AC0000811376 (2024)
Midlothian Council
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith
EH22 3AA
Planning Service
Place Directorate
Change of use from communal landscaping to private garden
ground and associated erection of fence at 17 Neatoune
Drive, Danderhall, EH22 1FZ
File No: 23/00753/DPP
Scale:1:500 ±
Appendix A
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Page 33

Page 1 of 5
Fairfield House 8 Lothian Road Dalkeith EH22 3ZN  Tel: 0131 271 3302  Fax: 0131 271 3537  Email: planning-
applications@midlothian.gov.uk
Applications cannot be validated until all the necessary documentation has been submitted and the required fee has been paid.
Thank you for completing this application form:
ONLINE REFERENCE 100652145-003
The online reference is the unique reference for your online form only. The  Planning Authority will allocate an Application Number when
your form is validated. Please quote this reference if you need to contact the planning Authority about this application.
Applicant or Agent Details
Are you an applicant or an agent? * (An agent is an architect, consultant or someone else acting
on behalf of the applicant in connection with this application)  Applicant  Agent
Agent Details
Please enter Agent details
Company/Organisation:
Ref. Number: You must enter a Building Name or Number, or both: *
First Name: * Building Name:
Last Name: * Building Number:
Address 1
Telephone Number: * (Street): *
Extension Number: Address 2:
Mobile Number: Town/City: *
Fax Number: Country: *
Postcode: *
Email Address: *
Is the applicant an individual or an organisation/corporate entity? *
 Individual  Organisation/Corporate entity
Liston Architects
David
Liston
Gayfield Sqaure
9
0794 383 0266
EH1 3NT
UK
Edinburgh
david@listonarchitects.co.uk
Appendix B
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Page 2 of 5
Applicant Details
Please enter Applicant details
Title: You must enter a Building Name or Number, or both: *
Other Title: Building Name:
First Name: * Building Number:
Address 1
Last Name: * (Street): *
Company/Organisation Address 2:
Telephone Number: * Town/City: *
Extension Number: Country: *
Mobile Number: Postcode: *
Fax Number:
Email Address: *
Site Address Details
Planning Authority:
Full postal address of the site (including postcode where available):
Address 1:
Address 2:
Address 3:
Address 4:
Address 5:
Town/City/Settlement:
Post Code:
Please identify/describe the location of the site or sites
Northing Easting
Mr
17 NEATOUNE DRIVE
Stelios
Midlothian Council
Kornaros
DANDERHALL
Neatoune Drive
17
DALKEITH
EH22 1FZ
EH22 1FZ
UK
669440
Danderhall
331166
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Page 3 of 5
Description of Proposal
Please provide a description of your proposal to which your review relates. The description should be the same as given in the
application form, or as amended with the agreement of the planning authority: *
(Max 500 characters)
Type of Application
What type of application did you submit to the planning authority? *
 Application for planning permission (including householder application but excluding application to work minerals).
 Application for planning permission in principle.
 Further application.
 Application for approval of matters specified in conditions.
What does your review relate to? *
 Refusal Notice.
 Grant of permission with Conditions imposed.
 No decision reached within the prescribed period (two months after validation date or any agreed extension) – deemed refusal.
Statement of reasons for seeking review
You must state in full, why you are a seeking a review of the planning authority’s decision (or failure to make a decision). Your statement
must set out all matters you consider require  to be taken into account in determining your review. If necessary this can be provided as a
separate document in the ‘Supporting Documents’ section: *  (Max 500 characters)
Note: you are unlikely to have a further opportunity to add to your statement of appeal at a later date, so it is essential that you produce
all of the information you want the decision-maker to take into account.
You should not however raise any new matter which was not before the planning authority at the time it decided your application (or at
the time expiry of the period of determination), unless you can demonstrate that the new matter could not have been raised before that
time or that it not being raised before that time is a consequence of exceptional circumstances.
Have you raised any matters which were not before the appointed officer  at the time the  Yes  No
Determination on your application was made? *
If yes, you should explain in the box below, why you are raising the new matter, why it was not raised with the appointed officer before
your application was determined and why you consider it should be considered in your review: * (Max 500 characters)
Change of use from communal landscaping to private garden ground and associated erection of fence at 17 Neatoune Drive,
Danderhall, EH22 1FZ (description as amended by MLC Planning Department)
Please refer to Supporting Document
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Page 4 of 5
Please provide a list of all supporting documents, materials and evidence which you wish to submit with your notice of review and intend
to rely on in support of your review. You can attach these documents electronically later in the process: * (Max 500 characters)
Application Details
Please provide the application reference no. given to you by your planning
authority for your previous application.
What date was the application submitted to the planning authority? *
What date was the decision issued by the planning authority? *
Review Procedure
The Local Review Body will decide on the procedure to be used to determine your review and may at any time during the review
process require that further information or representations be made to enable them to determine the review. Further information may be
required by one or a combination of procedures, such as: written submissions; the holding of one or more hearing sessions and/or
inspecting the land which is the subject of the review case.
Can this review continue to a conclusion, in your opinion, based on a review of the relevant information provided by yourself and other
parties only,  without any further procedures? For example, written submission, hearing session, site inspection. *
 Yes  No
Please indicate what procedure (or combination of procedures) you think is most appropriate for the handling of your review. You may
select more than one option if you wish the review to be a combination of procedures.
Please select a further procedure *
Please explain in detail in your own words why this further procedure is required and the matters set out in your statement of appeal it
will deal with?  (Max 500 characters)
In the event that the Local Review Body appointed to consider your application decides to inspect the site, in your opinion:
Can the site be clearly seen from a road or public land? *  Yes  No
Is it possible for the site to be accessed safely and without barriers to entry? *  Yes  No
17 Neatoune Drive Planning Appeal
23/00753/DPP
19/01/2024
By means of inspection of the land to which the review relates
23/11/2023
Inspection of context is important
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Page 5 of 5
Checklist – Application for Notice of Review
Please complete the following checklist to make sure  you have provided all the necessary information in support of your appeal. Failure
to submit all this  information may result in your appeal  being deemed invalid.
Have you provided the name and address of the applicant?.  *  Yes  No
Have you provided the date and reference number of the application which is the subject of this  Yes  No
review? *
If you are the agent, acting on behalf of the applicant, have you provided details of your name  Yes  No  N/A
and address and indicated whether any notice or correspondence required in connection with the
review should be sent to you or the applicant? *
Have you provided a statement setting out your reasons for requiring a review and by what  Yes  No
procedure (or combination of procedures) you wish the review to be conducted? *
Note: You must state, in full, why you are seeking a review on your application. Your statement must set out all matters you consider
require to be taken into account in determining your review. You may not have a further opportunity to add to your statement of review
at a later date. It is therefore essential that you submit with your notice of review, all necessary information and evidence that you rely
on and wish the Local Review Body to consider as part of your review.
Please attach a copy of all documents, material and evidence which you intend to rely on  Yes  No
(e.g. plans and Drawings) which are now the subject of this review *
Note: Where the review relates to a further application e.g. renewal of planning permission or modification, variation or removal of a
planning condition or where it relates to an application for approval of matters specified in conditions, it is advisable to provide the
application reference number, approved plans and decision notice (if any) from the earlier consent.
Declare – Notice of Review
I/We the applicant/agent certify that this is an application for review on the grounds stated.
Declaration Name: Mr David Liston
Declaration Date: 08/04/2024
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Page 38

Liston Architects RIAS 
17 Neatoune Drive
Danderhall
EH22 1FZ
LOCAL REVIEW BODY APPEAL
PLANNING PERMISSION TO ERECT FENCE  REF: 23/00753/DPP
NB: TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUBMITTED PLANS 
Erroneous Definition by Midlothian Council Planning as “communal landscaping”
The application was made to erect a fence on the private boundary along Dovecot Crescent to the
side of the house at 17 Neatoune Drive, much like the existing one to the side of the house at 9
Dovecot Crescent. On receipt of the application, the Midlothian Council Planning insisted the
application be termed “change of use from communal landscaping to private garden ground” which
required the client to pay Midlothian Council Planning an additional £500 on top of the submitted
£250 fee. This seems to be an error by Midlothian Council Planning. The approved documents do not
define the land in question as communal landscaping. Neither do the title deeds, which clearly
outline the plot as private garden. Please refer to the appended plans. 
Discrepancies between approved and as-built layout
The approved site and landscape plan for the original housing development shows a strip of grass
bordering the road to Neatoune Drive and Dovecot Crescent. On site, this grass strip has been built
as pavement. A Hornbeam hedge in the approved plan has been replaced by a beech hedge on site.
The Tibetan Cherry, Siberian and midwinter fire Dogwoods shown on the plan have been omitted.                         
Precedent in the same street of proposed fence with hedge behind
An example of the type of fencing proposed by the applicant exists within view of 17 Neatoune
Drive, in the same street at the side of the house, Dovecot Crescent. 
17 Neatoune Drive 
Beech hedge within private boundary encloses a narrow strip of
grass 
Approved grass strip built as pavement 
Dovecot Crescent 
No 9. Dovecot Crescent 
Dovecot Crescent 
Close-boarded timber fence (as proposed at 17 Neatoune Drive) 
Grass strip as approved
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Liston Architects RIAS 
Approved Hedge to be impenetrable
“Hedge is to be planted in two alternate rows at 300mm centres either side of a 900mm high post
and wire fence” and “The objective is to produce a thick, healthy, impenetrable hedge. Pruning
should be undertaken where necessary to achieve a neat and compact finish” 
Problems with rubbish
Currently the combination of hedge and wall incorrectly signals that the grass strip is outwith the
property boundary. This ambiguity results in the grass strip being used as a litter bin and a dog toilet
by passers-by. In the future, the hedge will be higher and the ill-conceived narrow strip of grass,
owned by the applicant will become a security risk to the occupants of the house. 
Erroneous concern by MLC Planning regarding road safety
A concern raised by Midlothian Council Planning regards visibility at the junction of Neatoune Drive
with the side street, Dovecot Crescent. This concern is irrational since the visibility through the
proposed fence will be no worse than through the existing “impenetrable hedge”, once it is
established. Furthermore, the proposed fence is only to the side of the house and will stop short of
the junction with the principal street, Neatoune Drive. Visibility at the junction will be maintained. 
No overall consistency in landscape plan
The urban design of the housing development follows a loose pattern with no consistent rules. Many
different conditions exist at street edges. Some roads are bordered by vegetation, some by timber
fencing and some by hard walls. The proposed timber fence fits into this pattern. The principal
elevation will have landscaping fronting the street, whilst the side elevation will have a timber fence
just like 9 Dovecot Crescent and will remove the ambiguity of ownership of the narrow grass strip. 
“Feature Wall” 
Future “impenetrable hedge” 
Litter
Within the housing development a wide variation of street edge
treatment exists. Here is an example of hard wall edges to street
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Liston Architects RIAS 
Conclusion
In a few years the existing hedge within the private boundary of 17 Neatoune Drive will grow to a
significant height and become the “impenetrable hedge” which was approved with the original
landscape plan for the housing development. There will be long narrow strip of grass (about 12m x
2m), hidden from view to the side of the house between the hedge and existing 1.8m high wall
within the garden. Without a fence preventing the entry of strangers, this represents a significant
security risk to the occupants of the house. The applicant simply wishes to erect a fence on their
garden boundary to the side of their house and remove the ill-conceived wall within their garden.
This would allow them to safely maintain the grass strip, with the existing visibility at the junction
retained.
Precedent for such a fence to the side of a house exists on the same street. A fence would benefit
both the applicant and the community and Midlothian Council’s refusal of permission for the fence is
absurd. 
Poorly designed landscaping within applicant’s garden results in
problematic grass strip with no benefit to applicant or
community. 
Proposed fence is to side of house only 
The proposals are to the side of the house only and do not affect
the hedge and garden to the front on the main street
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Liston Architects RIAS 
Appendix 1: Extract from Approved Landscaping Plan 
No demarcation of
“communal landscaping” or
“common area” is defined
within the boundary of 17
Neatoune Drive in the
approved site or landscape
plans
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Liston Architects RIAS 
Appendix 2: Specification from Approved Landscaping Plan 
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Page 43

Liston Architects RIAS 
Appendix 3: Plan from Title Deeds 
No demarcation of
“communal landscaping” is
defined within the
boundary of 17 Neatoune
Drive in the title deeds
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Page 44

MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL 
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT 
PLANNING APPLICATION DELEGATED WORKSHEET: 
Planning Application Reference: 23/00753/DPP 
Site Address: 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall.   
Site Description: The application site comprises a two storey detached
dwellinghouse, garage and associated garden ground.  The house has cream colour
rendered walls, a pantile roof and white uPVC framed window units.  The site sits at
a junction with roads bounding the northwest and northeast boundary, with houses to
the southeast and southwest.  There is a 1.8 metre high render wall enclosing the
private garden ground to the roadside, with an area of communal landscaping
between the wall and the pavement to the northeast.  There is a 1.8 metre high
fence along the rear of the garden between the garden and associated garage and
parking area.  The site is within a relatively recently constructed housing site. 
Proposed Development:  Change of use from communal landscaping to private
garden ground and associated erection of fence.   
Proposed Development Details: It is proposed to remove the existing boundary
wall along the northeast and erect a new 1.8 metre high close boarded fence hard up
to the pavement, enclosing the communal landscaping and making this private
garden ground.  The new fence with adjoin the existing fence at the site and be
similar in design. 
Background (Previous Applications, Supporting Documents, Development
Briefs): Wider development area
18/00946/LA Application to modify a planning obligation with a legal agreement
(associated with planning application 02/00660/OUT).  Modification agreed.  
17/00650/S42 Section 42 application to amend condition 4 of planning permission
02/00660/OUT. This application seeks to change the means by which the Master
Plan and Design Guide (and related addenda) for Shawfair can be amended. 
Consent with conditions.  
17/00393/S42 S42 application to amend condition 4 of planning permission
02/00660/OUT.  Withdrawn.
16/00818/MSC Erection of 98 dwellinghouses and 18 flatted dwellings; formation of
access roads and car parking and associated works (approval of matters specified in
conditions 2(a), 2(e), 2(f), 2(g), 2(h), 2(i), 2(l), 2(o), 3, 4, 6, 9 & 11-33 of planning
permission 02/00660/OUT).  Permitted.  
15/00089/MSC Application for Matters Specified in relation to condition 1 (relating to
former mineral workings, sustainable urban drainage strategy, landscaping to Cairnie
Burn, programme for highway network improvements and travel plan details) of
outline planning permission 02/00660/OUT for residential, industrial and commercial
floor space, community facilities, associated landscaping with provision for sport and
recreation and new transport facilities.  Permitted.  
02/00660/OUT Outline planning permission for residential, industrial and commercial
floor space, community facilities (including new primary schools), associated
Appendix C
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landscaping with provision for sport and recreation and new transport facilities. 
Consent with conditions. 
To northeast 
20/00169/CL 5 Dovecot Cresent Infill of garage door and formation of window
opening.  Permitted.   
Consultations:  The Council’s Senior Manager Neighbourhood Services (Roads)
was consulted but did not respond.   
Representations: No representations have been received. 
Relevant Planning Policies:  The development plan is comprised of National
Planning Framework 4 (2023) and the Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017. The
following policies are relevant to the proposal. 
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) 
- Policy 1 Tackling the climate and nature crises; sets out to encourage,
promote and facilitate development that addresses the global climate
emergency and nature crisis;
- Policy 2 Climate mitigation and adaptation; sets out to encourage, promote
and facilitate development that minimises emissions and adapts to the current
and future impacts of climate change;
- Policy 6 Forestry, woodland and trees; sets out to protect and expand
forests, woodland and trees;
- Policy 14 Design, quality and place; states - a) Development proposals will
be designed to improve the quality of an area whether in urban or rural
locations and regardless of scale; and c) Development proposals that are
poorly designed, detrimental to the amenity of the surrounding area or
inconsistent with the six qualities of successful places, will not be supported;
- Policy 16 Quality homes; states g) Householder development proposals will
be supported where they: i. do not have a detrimental impact on the character
or environmental quality of the home and the surrounding area in terms of
size, design and materials; and ii. do not have a detrimental effect on the
neighbouring properties in terms of physical impact, overshadowing or
overlooking; and h) Householder development proposals that provide
adaptations in response to risks from a changing climate, or relating to people
with health conditions that lead to particular accommodation needs will be
supported. 
The relevant policies of the adopted Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017 are: 
DEV2 Development within the Built-up Area states that development will not be
permitted within existing and future built-up areas where it is likely to detract
materially from the existing character or amenity of the area; 
ENV7 Landscape Character states development will not be permitted where it
significantly and adversely affects local landscape character.  Where development
is acceptable, it should respect such character and be compatible in terms of scale,
siting and design.  New development will normally be required to incorporate
proposals to maintain the diversity and distinctiveness of the local landscapes and
to enhance landscape characteristics where they have been weakened; and 
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ENV11 Woodland, Trees and Hedges states that development will not be
permitted where it could lead directly or indirectly to the loss of, or damage to,
woodland, groups of trees (including trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order,
areas defined as ancient or semi-natural woodland, veteran trees or areas forming
part of any designated landscape) and hedges which have a particular amenity,
nature conservation, biodiversity, recreation, landscape, shelter, cultural, or historical
value or are of other importance.  
Planning Issues:  The main planning issue to be considered is whether or not the
proposal complies with the development plan policies and, if not, whether there are
any material planning considerations which would otherwise justify approval.
While the proposed development will contribute to the global climate crises, due to
the nature and small scale of the proposal, the proposed development will not
exacerbate the global nature crises. Therefore the proposed development
complies with the aims of policy 1 of NPF4.
The application site is at a prominent location within this relatively new housing
development, sited at a junction at a central position.  The immediate area has an
open character with no boundaries between front gardens, along with grassed areas
and hedging between gardens and the pavement/roads.  It is clear from the
assessment of the overall housing application that consideration has been given to
the open character and landscaping of the wider site, with trees and hedges planted
to soften the visual impact of the development.  Also the application site is identified
as having an active gable.  This generally means that the plot is at a prominent part
of a site and additional consideration needs to be given to the design of the house,
as well as the setting of the plot.  While there is an existing wall within the site facing
onto the road, this is set back from heel of the pavement with hedging between the
wall and the pavement.  This set off from and planting between the wall and the
pavement helps achieve the aim for landscaping to soften the visual impact of the
development.  The overall effect of existing wall being set off the pavement with
landscaping between the two is a clearly considered design detail in this relatively
new residential area which positively contributes to the character and appearance of
the site and surrounding area.  This is replicated in other parts of the wider
development.
The removal of the existing wall and communal landscaping and replacement with a
1.8 metre high close boarded fence hard up to the pavement would have a
significantly detrimental impact on the open and landscaped character of the site and
immediate area.  This would be a very hard feature at a prominent part of the
development.  
The position of the fence would be forward of the established building line in place
from the site along Dovecot Crescent which would also detract from the character
and appearance of the area.
The proposal would result in the loss of landscaping which would be contrary to the
aims of NPF4 to retain trees and hedges.  This would also be contrary to the aim of
the Council which is committed to making Midlothian a great, green place to grow
and would not help address the climate emergency which the Council declared in
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2019.  Proposals should be proactively protecting landscaping and enhancing
landscaping in developments, rather than supporting their removal.  While the
proposal would only result in a relatively small area of landscaping being lost, if this
were to be supported in other proposals, the cumulative impact of this could be
significant.   
The proposed position of the fence would also have a detrimental impact on road
safety as this would reduce visibility for vehicles existing the parking spaces to the
southeast.  These spaces are 15 metres from the junction and a fence hard up to the
pavement would significantly reduce visibility from these.   
Recommendation: Refuse planning permission.  
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Refusal of Planning Permission
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 
Reg. No.   23/00753/DPP 
Liston Architects
9 Gayfield Square
Edinburgh
EH1 3NT 
Midlothian Council, as Planning Authority, having considered the application by Mr Stelios
Kornaros, 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall, EH22 1FZ, which was registered on 23
November 2023 in pursuance of their powers under the above Acts, hereby refuse
permission to carry out the following proposed development: 
Change of use from communal landscaping to private garden ground and associated
erection of fence at 17 Neatoune Drive, Danderhall, EH22 1FZ 
In accordance with the application and the following documents/drawings: 
Document/Drawing. Drawing No/Scale Dated
Location Plan 2314_C_001 1:1250 23.11.2023
Site Plan, elevations 2314_C_010 1:100 23.11.2023
Site Plan, elevations 2314_C_100 1:100 23.11.2023 
The reasons for the Council's decision are set out below:  
1. The proposal would have a significant detrimental impact on the character and
appearance of the application site and the surrounding area and so is contrary to
polices DEV2 and ENV6 of the adopted Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017
and policies 14 and 16 of the National Planning Framework 4.    
2. The loss of landscaping would be contrary to policy ENV11 of the adopted
Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017 and policy 6 of the National Planning
Framework 4.  
3. The proposed position of the fence would have a significant adverse impact on the
safety of road users by reducing the visibility for vehicles exiting the site and
adjacent parking spaces.     
Dated    19 / 1 / 2024
Appendix D
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……………………………..
Duncan Robertson
Lead Officer – Local Developments 
Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3ZN 
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Any Planning Enquiries should be directed to:                
Planning and Local Authority Liaison
Direct Telephone:  01623 637 119 (Planning Enquiries)
Email:  planningconsultation@coal.gov.uk 
Website: www.gov.uk/coalauthority 
INFORMATIVE NOTE 
The proposed development lies within an area that has been defined by the Coal
Authority as containing coal mining features at surface or shallow depth.  These
features may include: mine entries (shafts and adits); shallow coal workings;
geological features (fissures and break lines); mine gas and former surface mining
sites.  Although such features are seldom readily visible, they can often be present
and problems can occur, particularly as a result of new development taking place.   
Any form of development over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry can
be dangerous and raises significant land stability and public safety risks.  As a
general precautionary principle, the Coal Authority considers that the building over
or within the influencing distance of a mine entry should be avoided.  In exceptional
circumstance where this is unavoidable, expert advice must be sought to ensure
that a suitable engineering design which takes into account all the relevant safety
and environmental risk factors, including mine gas and mine-water.  Your attention
is drawn to the Coal Authority Policy in relation to new development and mine
entries available at: 
www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-on-or-within-the-influencing-distance-
of-mine-entries 
Any intrusive activities which disturb or enter any coal seams, coal mine workings or
coal mine entries (shafts and adits) requires a Coal Authority Permit.  Such activities
could include site investigation boreholes, excavations for foundations, piling
activities, other ground works and any subsequent treatment of coal mine workings
and coal mine entries for ground stability purposes.  Failure to obtain a Coal
Authority Permit for such activities is trespass, with the potential for court action.   
If any coal mining features are unexpectedly encountered during development, this
should be reported immediately to the Coal Authority on 0345 762 6848.  Further
information is available on the Coal Authority website at:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-coal-authority   
Informative Note valid from 1st January 2023 until 31st December 2024 
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Appendix E
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