CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a bungalow in a Peeblesshire cul-de-sac have been backed by the council’s planning committee following a vote.

Prior to the meeting, officers from the local authority had recommended the approval of the proposal in the garden ground of 11 Fergusson View, West Linton.

Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) planning and building standards committee heard on Monday (March 7) that the plans had received 13 objections from neighbours.

Issues such as cramming, drainage, flooding, loss of privacy and loss of light were raised after the application was submitted.

But councillors on the committee voted six to two in favour of the development.

Speaking at the meeting as an objector, Fiona Philippi said that the “cramped, out of character” bungalow would be “very tightly wedged in” due to the shape of the site.

Dr Philippi added: “There’s simply not enough room to accommodate a building that meets SBC policy. The development would be so crammed in that residential amenity would be severely compromised.

“There’s good reason that this application has attracted the amount and level of objection from the majority of immediate neighbours.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Gavin Jefcoate said that the “design is of a modest size” and in keeping with other bungalows on Fergusson View.

He added that a “campaign” had developed against the proposals.

“The proposals at 11 Fergusson View are for a modestly sized single-storey dwelling with ample on-street parking and modern sufficient garden space,” said Mr Jefcoate.

“It doesn’t create overlooking issues. It doesn’t create overshadowing issues.”

Speaking at the meeting, Conservative Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said that most of the concerns could be dealt with via planning conditions.

“I can’t quite see reasons to object here,” he said. “What we have here is a property which, whilst yes it’s slightly different to the normal as it’ll be slightly more cramped, the space still looks to be adequate.”

But Tweeddale West councillor Eric Small, also of the Conservatives, backed the objectors.

He said: “What we’ve got here is trying to cram a house onto basically what was the driveway into the garage and I can see why the neighbours are complaining.

“I think what they see is that this could start a precedent within the development. I think it’s going to spoil the site of the cul-de-sac.”

Mr Small and Mid Berwickshire councillor Donald Moffat, of the SNP, proposed a motion to go against the recommendation from SBC officers.

But the other six members of the committee voted to approve the development.