Support for gypsy house bid in Midlem
A SELF-declared gypsy/traveller, who sells eggs and runs a small livery businesses on the northern outskirts of Midlem, has applied for planning consent to build a small house next to her stables, writes Andrew Keddie.
But despite letters of support from local residents, planning officials with Scottish Borders Council are recommending refusal of the application because the site at Westfields is just outside the village boundary and the need for the house, they claim, has not been adequately substantiated.
The Eildon Area Committee will also be told on Monday that vehicle access onto the public road is below council standards.
In September, 2004, Muriel Aldin was refused consent to put a residential caravan on a field 150 metres from where she now wants to build her home – a corner of an open field which she owns. Later that year, she was successful in a bid to build two stable blocks and a tack room on her field.
A letter from her architectural agent Bill Kerr says it is important Mrs Aldin lives on the site because of her business.
And she is supported by local residents Eric Forster, Philip Hitchcock and Graham Pittman.
Mr Forster of Burnside, states: "In the short time she has been there, she has tidied up a wilderness and made a pleasing living area out of nothing.
"Muriel is providing a service by looking after horses and passing on her skills to others, especially the young. She would be an excellent addition to the community."
Mr Hitchcock says Mrs Aldin is "most reasonable, respectable and respectful", adding: "We believe a village community should encourage and welcome people who are prepared to work hard to support themselves in a small-scale entrepreneurial fashion.There are many examples of less respectful uses of land around Midlem – many of us need only visit our own back yards."
And Mr Pittman avers: "This application and Mrs Aldin's occupancy can only be considered beneficial to Midlem and the surrounding area."
Ms Aldin owns about six acres at Westfields.
Meanwhile, planning officials are also urging refusal of another new house bid in Midlem.
James Purvis wants to to build a detached three-bedroomed house on land south-east of Glenmore.
Officers say that although the area is earmarked for housing in the Local Plan, the property would result in overdevelopment of a congested site and be out of character with nearby houses, having an adverse impact on the amenity of residents.
Two letters of objection from neighbours have also been tabled.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Selkirk
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
