Plans for road and housing at heritage site refused

The proposals for the development at Milnquarter Farm in Roman Road by Stewart Homes and Manor Forrest Ltd was for a distributor road and homes near the Antonine Wall, which was built in Roman times.

In his report, Scottish Reporter Lance R Guilford said the council was “minded” to grant permission in principle and agreed that the proposed residential development was consistent with relevant housing policies and would contribute to the housing supply locally.

However, he concluded that the development would have an adverse effect on the “setting” of the Antonine Wall site.

He said: “I conclude that the adverse effect on the setting of the world heritage site and associated scheduled monuments (given their international importance) significantly outweighs any contribution that the development of the site would make to the effective housing land supply, and any other benefits in the context of the policies of the local development plan.

“In addition, a further transport assessment is required before any grant of planning permission in principle.

“I therefore conclude that the proposed development is in overall terms not consistent with the development plan.

“Following on from this ... I also conclude that the proposed development would not contribute to sustainable development.

“There are no other material considerations which would in the circumstances justify granting planning permission in principle for the proposed development.”