Earlier this evening, after my weekly ward surgeries at the Mitchell Street Centre and at Harris Academy, I took part in City Council committee meetings.
At Development Management Committee, I moved refusal of the proposal to create a housing development at the former Parkview School in Blackness Road. My amendment read:
I wish to move refusal of this application on the following grounds:
Overdevelopment
The proposals are contrary to Policy 4b of the Dundee Local Plan 2005 as the scale and nature of the new build development results in overdevelopment of this site, which is out of character with the surrounding low density residential area. There are no material considerations of sufficient strength to justify the granting of planning permission contrary to the policy.
Loss of residential amenity
The proposals are contrary to Policy 1 of the Dundee Local Plan 2005 as the design and layout of the development will have an adverse impact on the amenities of local residents by reason of
a) overshadowing, caused by the new build development and
b) noise, caused by the location and quantity of car parking in the northern part of the site.
There are no material considerations of sufficient strength to justify the granting of planning permission contrary to the policy."
In short, as the two local residents who spoke in deputations also pointed out, the principle of upgrading the school building to create housing was acceptable; cramming significant additional housing onto the site is not.
The vote was extremely close - 14-14 - but unfortunately, on the Convener's casting vote - the application was approved.