Have just submitted a request for planning approval for a store come sitting out area (see picture above), some steps cut into the woodland slope, a path extension with screening and a replacement fence.
Householder Application for Planning Permission
Reference No ____________________________
Section 4 Description of Works
1. Storage Platform
History of Construction
The foundations of this structure were positioned in Nov 2008. The ground foundation pads are the same as the house build foundation pads and were deliberately placed for validation purposes. This test was a condition of planning. The pads are situated close to the stump of a large felled Ash tree which produces new growth. The ability to dig and construct in and around tree roots was tested by the placement of the pads.
The decking was added in Jan 2009 in readiness for use as a holding platform and dry storage area for materials for the associated house build. Alternative storage facilities at the Cemetery Gates outbuildings had been applied for but were not viable.
The structure is a replacement for a platform similar in shape and size to that which existed for over 10 years on the site and has since been demolished, along with an associated metal furnace, railway sleeper screen structure and 15m2 of concrete paving. The previous structure became badly damaged during the house build.
Glazing was added to the structure in May 2010. The previous structure had a willow screen. Glazing was chosen to unify with the glazing on the main decking area of the house and the glazing minimizes visual impact.
Use of Structure
The structure is used as a storage area for essential woodland maintenance tools and the decked surface is used as an occasional outdoor sitting out area. The structure precludes the need for a garden shed and presents a more aesthetically acceptable structure than a typical garden shed.
Other Supporting Information
The grade B listed water tower in the vicinity of this application has a sitting out area in the form of a metal balcony and has Historic Buildings and Planning approval. In floor area terms it is approximately 20 times the area of the platform. There are a number of other elevated sitting out areas that have been constructed in Eskbank, not necessarily having the benefit of planning approval.
2. Front Boundary Fence
This stepped fence was constructed to replace an existing stepped wooden fence of the same overall dimensions and made from the same material. However, the width of the fence timbers is different and deliberate to be the same width as the timber cladding on the house. The wood on both the house and the fence is locally sourced Scots Pine.
3. Path Broadening
This “structure” is no more than path widening carried out by triangulating between 2 existing tree stumps using seasoned timbers from the previous gazebo. The triangulated section was then screened using more seasoned wood cladding from the gazebo creating a ventilated and open structure with a vertical surface. A timber guard rail is in place. There are no engineering works in this structure. There is no back-fill.
The path widening is essential for the safe passage at a very narrow point.
This area was noted in the woodland management plan as being at risk due to erosion from water run-off and the lack of light preventing good undergrowth. The path was becoming ever narrowed at this point and we continue to try to resolve the root cause of the water erosion problem with the tennis club. Water run-off issues are not being used as a smoke screen for development, as suggested by some concerned members of the public.
4. Steps
Steps have been constructed into the slope of the woodland bank for safe access to the area below the path broadening where the soil erosion is at its worst and where further planting is planned once the water management issue is resolved. The hand rail is due to be replaced with more attractive wood poles instead of straight cut timbers. More steps are required to complete these works and are indicated on the plan.
5. General
It remains the case that the most visible non natural structure which has impact on the views of this woodland area is the 60m x 3m lime green netting screen for the tennis club. In our opinion, none of the structures to which this application refers have adverse impact on the views of this woodland area. None of the structures bring risk to the woodland and no mature trees were impacted by their construction.
It is not always easy to pre determine the requirements for outdoor structural and non structural elements at any time but particularly during the hectic phase of a new build. Some of the structures in this application would never have been anticipated as requiring planning approval and hence this application is both retrospective and late. In the case of the storage platform, the structure is a replacement for a previous structure which never elicited any objection or concern from either the public or the planning officials who visited the site, in more than 10 years. With regard to biodiversity, the previous structure became a home for a number of woodland creatures in its time and there is an expectation that the replacement will provide the same. The main users of the structure are the squirrels at present.
The human race are as much a part of biodiversity as the woodland creatures.
Susan Goldwyre
C Biol MI Biol retired
11 Nov 10
The previous sitting out area. It served us well even although my sister-in-law fell off it one night! there was no alcohol involved either. The fence at the back is the painted corrugated fencing belonging to the tennis club. We have since added a screen of wooden fencing which looks much better. Especially from the viaduct.
Ironmills Park in the 70's (?) before the buildings were converted into houses. Isn't it amazing how the tree planting has changed the face of this area. It looks so barren in this old photo.
The steps cut into the bank for access. The straight cut timber rails are due to be replaced with tree poles which will look more natural in the environment.
Replacement front fence. Not that different to what was there before and prior to that wooden fence the council had erected what might be best described as rather unattractive wire netting. I have a photo somewhere.
The area where the path was widened by triangulating between 2 tree stumps. Thanks Mick, you are a genius.
The new sitting out area and store in the winter. It looks especially lovely with the frost on the glazing when the temperature has been so low lately.
The original gazebo. Doesn't the down pipe look silly! it was removed fairly soon after construction. I miss the old gazebo in some ways. A friend of mine from work days, now sadly passed away, Bob Wilson, was never one for going out with the crowd. He did love this gazebo though and he would join my Gin and Tonic club for food and chat even although he hated Gin and Tonic. It was the only non-golf function I ever remember him going to. Bob I do miss you.
The water tower before and after.
I am aware that planning applications that appear at xmas are treated with suspicion - as if someone is trying to put something through the system un-noticed. Recording on this blog site will help to make sure that is not the case. I am delighted if people want to comment on this application. The woodland is after all only owned by us at the moment. It will out live us both and I am keen that it is handed over in good shape to its next owner - whoever that might be.
If anyone reading this site is interested in joining me next year in a couple of ventures I would be pleased. I need to eradicate the Rhododendron ponticum on the bank. Access is very difficult so you would need to be fit and able. I have plans to work with Kevock Gardens to improve my knowledge base and get some experience in working with native species and the transitional species that are good between garden and woodland. I have a project with the tennis club to improve a small area on the streetscape of Cemetery Road. Also some general woodland management - tree surveys to be done for example. Tidy up the area where we store our wood piles for the winter. Clearing up the mess left by the kids who use the area for bbq's and whatever else! planting more holly etc. etc.
Merry Xmas to all and my good wishes for 2011
Susan
On behalf of Alan Steel - the Chinese have built and completed 17 airports since you and Gerry embarked on your project to build in your garden.
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