Planners have allowed a detached house at the site of a farm to be occupied by others to allow the business to continue operating.
The house at Middleton Farm is currently known as Glenview Cottage.
This permission was granted in May 2005 following the signing of a Section 75 legal agreement.
The S75 agreement limits the occupation of the house to a person solely or mainly employed, or last employed, in agriculture or forestry at Middleton Farm or a dependant or widow or widower or the offspring of such a person.
The house comprises of a one and half storey dwellinghouse, sited in the south-eastern corner of the Middleton Farm grouping and is accessed via a private access from Brisbane Glen Road to the west.
Applicant Iain McIntyre provided a supporting statement which states that the restriction caused difficulty in raising finance for the farm and that it was difficult to finance ongoing maintenance for the house itself.
The applicant, his brother and mother are the only persons permitted to live in the house by the terms of the S75 which has restricted the flexibility of the farm to continue to operate, including preventing it being split into separate units between the applicant and his brother.
The applicant felt there would be no amenity issues in allowing the house to be occupied separately to Middleton Farm.
They wanted to encourage opportunities for existing rural communities and businesses to grow, particularly on Arran and Cumbrae, and to support these areas so that they flourish.
They also recognised that, in general, countryside areas were less well suited to unplanned residential and other developments because of their lack of access to services, employment and established communities.
The proposal, the owners said, created attractive places by providing a sense of security, including by encouraging activity, considering crime rates, providing a clear distinction between private and public space, creating active frontages and considering the benefits of natural surveillance for streets, paths and open spaces.
It also considered future users of the site and ensures that the design is adaptable to their needs.
This includes consideration of future changes of use that may involve a mix of densities, tenures, and typologies to ensure that future diverse but compatible uses can be integrated including the provision of versatile multi-functional green space.
The planning committee agreed the removal of the order, allowing the restriction to be lifted.
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