A modern “chalet” style building proposed for the grounds of a historic Edwardian country house in Livingston would be out of character with its surroundings and look as if it had been crammed in, according to planners.
Proposals to build in the grounds of Dechmont House in Deans, Woodlands Park, went before the Development Management Committee.
The Edwardian villa was built on the eve of the First Word War in 1914 by the Meldrum family who were among the pioneers of the shale oil industry.
READ MORE: West Lothian bid to build house on 'eyesore' village stables site approved
Mr W. Graham had applied for planning permission to build a one and half storey home in the grounds of the house.
Colin Hardie, an agent for the applicant disputed planners’ arguments that the plot was too small in comparison to the surroundings.
Planning officer Wendy McCorriston told the Development Management Committee that the key impact would be on the surrounding area, the historic building and its amenity.
While Dechmont House is not listed, she said: “it is of architectural merit, and its grounds, including its access, contribute to its distinct character.”
She added: “The area is characterised by large dwellings on generally modest plots. The [planned] house is a smaller house on a small plot which gives the appearance of town cramming, contrary to the residential development guide.”
Mr Hardie told the committee that Dechmont House had had no real frontage onto Woodlands Park in the last 40 years, and that the western elevation is quite plain.
He added: “ Where Dechmont House is stellar in its view to the community is its south elevation which looks out over parkland, and up to Dechmont Law.”
This view of the house was not affected by the new proposal. However the committee accepted planners’ recommendation for refusal.
Dechmont House replaced Dechmont Castle, itself a Victorian Gothic building built by Edward Meldrum. His son, Arthur inherited the building at the turn of the 20th century and found it too expensive to run. He had the “castle” demolished and replaced with “moderate-sized country house with four cottages, a garage and stabling”.
Chairing the Development Management Committee Councillor Stuart Borrowman said: “I'd never been to Dechmont House prior to Monday. I have to confess I was utterly charmed by the house and its surroundings. It must be one of the most attractive unlisted dwellings in West Lothian. I can’t think of anything superior to it in that sense.
“The scale of the property and the setting, including the gardens, and the wider setting I thought were really impressive. Colin has to do his job professionally, and I understand that he has to advocate for his client, but I do think this would be poor town planning were we to allow this. I’d be mindful to support any position to refuse this consent.”
