Linlithgow Civic Trust and West Lothian History and Amenity Society
JOINT RESPONSE TO PLANNING CONSULTATION
Proposal: Erection of office building at former coal sidings, Avon
Place/Strawberry Bank, Linlithgow.
Planning Application Number - 0942/FUL/08 Esme Clelland
Applicant EK:JN Architects
Observations
As stated in our comments on the previous applications for this site, this
triangular piece of ground next to the railway is difficult to develop. However,
the current proposal is a further improvement on the last application, with
particular regard to the appearance/character of the building and its setting
within the conservation area.
This application has been discussed at length by the Civic Trust's Executive
Committee. The evolution from flat-roofed contemporary, to a bungalow-like
solution, to the present proposal has been noted. The design and materials of
the building are considerably more sympathetic to its location in the
conservation area, and the prominence of the natural slate roof is welcomed. The
only matters of concern are:
- The lack of symmetry of the roof lights on the western elevation - either
they should be omitted or further roof lights should be added to balance the
three already proposed;
- The over-use of timber-cladding, although this is mitigated by its
location on the more unobtrusive eastern elevation. At the very least, this
material should be appropriately treated and maintained to minimise
differential weathering; and
- The prominent fenestration on the west elevation should be adjusted to
give greater vertical emphasis, perhaps more on the lines of the sketch
submitted.
Overall, having previously accepted the principle of a small office building
on the site, it is considered that the current proposal is far more in keeping
with its surroundings and is indeed generally acceptable subject to the few
detailed concerns as outlined above.
Conclusions
The Civic Trust and the WLHAS have no objections to this proposal, subject to
reconsideration of the three detailed matters outlined above.
Ronald P A Smith BSc MRTPI
Planning Spokesman, Linlithgow Civic Trust
4 Rivaldsgreen Crescent, Linlithgow, EH49 6BB.
Tel: 01506 670758; Email - planning@lct.org.uk
18 October 2008
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