Changes agreed to Bo'ness sheltered housing complex

It will allow them to convert a guest bedroom and medical room on the first floor of Salmond Court in the town centre into a one-bedroom flat; changing a four-bedroom flat on the second floor, into two one-bedroom flats; and creating a second-floor extension between the proposed new flats and existing stair well, to form a corridor.

The recent virtual meeting of Falkirk Council’s planning committee heard that three objections had been received from neighbours, concerned the changes would mean a loss of light for nearby flats.

Planning officers looked at the area and concluded that the proposed changes would not result in a significant adverse impact on the level of daylight and sunlight to affected these properties.

The Health and Safety Executive also objected to the proposal on safety grounds as the flats are within the middle zone of the Forties pipeline.

However, this is a standard objection and planning officers felt the changes were not increasing the risk significantly.

The planners also felt that the additional flats were in a good location in the town centre, which was easily accessible and would encourage the use of active travel.

They also felt the design would respect the character of the existing building and would not dominate its surroundings.

After considering the report and looking at the objections, members of the local authority’s planning committee agreed with the officers and granted planning permission for the changes.