North Berwick homeowner appeals decision to reject plans for sunroom on 19th century cottage

A North Berwick home owner refused permission to build a sunroom on top of a 19th century cottage has pointed to images of other similar extensions in the town, including at the golf club, to support her appeal.

Lesley Kay wanted to expand the first-floor room to the top of a flat roof extension already added to the house on the town’s Forth Street.

But the proposal received 30 objections and East Lothian Council planners ruled the addition would be “unacceptable and unsympathetic”.

Ms Kay has appealed to the council’s Local Review Body to overturn the decision by submitting photographs of other similar additions to buildings in the town.

The pictures include similar glass extensions on top of flat-roofed houses and at the North Berwick Golf Clubhouse, which she argues are similar to what she proposes.

And she says the proposed sunroom will enhance the look of the cottage, which sits between much larger homes.

She says: “This property lies in the conservation area, however, it is a part of the conservation area characterised by a variety of changes, and an eclectic mix of additional elements, particularly at upper level and roof level, usually to better enjoy the magnificent views.

“Those involved in delivering the planning process in East Lothian have publicly stated that conservation is not about keeping everything as it currently is, that conservation areas evolve over the years, as different architectural designs are proposed, leading to gradual change over time.

“It is about maintaining the character of an area through control of overall change, not about preventing changes.

“The proposed sunroom very much echoes this sentiment and aspiration. This particular proposal will clearly be an addition and a change to this part of the conservation area.”

The Local Review Body will consider the appeal next month.