‘Unconventional’ homeowner refused permission for extension at Newtongrange house

The owners of an ‘unconventional’ house have been refused planning permission for an extension after rejecting planners’ advice to lower its height.

The property on Morris Road, Newtongrange, was described by Midlothian Council planners as having an unusual style with a flat roof at the front and pitched roof at the back which they said was “somewhat unconventional”.

Applicants Mr and Mrs McKinnon wanted to wrap a two-storey flat roofed extension around the side and back of the house to add on extended dining, living and bedroom space.

However planners said the proposed extension would be too high at the back, covering part of the sloped rear roof and should be partly reduced to a single storey.

They said it would have an impact on the character of the other properties in the street and urged the applicants to go back to the drawing board.

In an email to the applicants’ agent, a planning officer said: “I am concerned regarding the impact of the proposed extension on the somewhat unique unconventional character of the existing building.

“Whilst I appreciate that the design of the existing building includes a two storey flat roof at the front, the proposed extension wrapping around the side and rear of the building will detract from and weaken the form of the pitched roof half of the building to the rear which is integral to the design of the buildings at this part of Morris Road.

“I would suggest that the extension at the side of the building continues the form of the existing building and the rear extension is reduced to single storey.”

However the agent responded: “I’ve spoken to my client, and they need the extension as shown on the drawing, they feel that to reduce the upper storey to a level that it doesn’t project beyond the rear wall of the existing house doesn’t work for them and won’t give them the accommodation that they
need, they’re willing to go to appeal on this if we face a refusal.”

Planners refused planning permission for the extension as well as a summer house included in the application as ancillary accommodation for the property.