Plan for house close to World Heritage site gets green light from Falkirk councillors

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Plans to transform a bungalow in a conservation area in Bo'ness into a two-storey house have been given the green light, despite 25 letters of objections from neighbours.

Mr D Hebden's proposals for the property on Grahamsdyke Avenue were backed by Falkirk Council planning officers, who were content that the footprint of the house will be largely unchanged.

However Dr Sean Doolan spoke to the meeting saying he represented the concerns of neighbours in Riverview Terrace and Grahamsdyke Road, who believe that the development is not suitable for a conservation area - and a spot very close to the Antonine Wall World Heritage site. Read more: Unique recovery centre for pets gets green light from Falkirk Council He said: "In Riverview Terrace we have a view over the Forth and up to the hills on the other side which are also the views that were there for Roman legionaries and so on 1800-odd years ago.He said that neighbours feel the current proposal is too much building for "a small and sensitive site", which sits near a geological ridge that is a prominent natural feature in the town's landscape.

In his submission, he told councillors that current residents feel very strongly that they are "custodians and stewards" of the area's rich heritage and argued that the proposed extension would have a significant impact on the landscape.Rebecca Fairgrieve Stuart, who has lived in Riverview Terrace for five years, says residents have pride in the area and a sense of community and would like to see the site developed "considerately".However, Mr Banks, the applicant's agent, told councillors that the site is outside the official World Heritage Site and the house would have no greater impact on the site than what is currently there.He