A Blairgowrie couple’s hopes for improving their quality of life have been dashed after Perth and Kinross Council rejected their planning application for a downstairs extension. 77-year-old Gillian Morison, who lives in the Coupar Grange area near Blairgowrie, experiences significant mobility challenges due to osteoarthritis, making it increasingly difficult for her to access the upstairs bedroom in their C-listed home. The proposed extension aimed to create a more accessible living space for Gillian, featuring a ground-floor bedroom, a bathroom designed for her mobility needs, and a convenient storage area.
The couple envisioned the extension would also enhance Gillian’s connection with nature by providing direct access to their garden from the new bedroom. This was a particularly important aspect for Gillian, who finds immense pleasure in her garden. However, the council refused the application, citing concerns about preserving the “special character” of their historic home. The council argued the proposed extension would not be in keeping with the aesthetic and historical integrity of the property, which they likened to a Tudor-style house more commonly found in the Home Counties of England, with its distinctive red pantile roof. Previous Extension Granted
Adding to the couple’s frustration, this isn’t their first encounter with the council’s planning process. Two decades prior, in 2008, they successfully obtained permission for a sunroom extension on the opposite end of the house. John, Gillian’s 79-year-old husband, expressed bewilderment at the council’s current stance, emphasizing the intended symmetry of the new extension with the existing sunroom, which together would have created a visually pleasing U-shaped layout. He recalled the earlier application process as being much smoother and highlighted the couple’s belief that the proposed extension would enhance the property’s overall appearance. Impact on Quality of Life
The couple stressed the significant positive impact the downstairs bedroom would have on Gillian’s daily life. With her mobility issues worsening and a recent surgical consultation confirming no further medical interventions are possible, the ability to sleep downstairs would be transformative. John shared that even simply having a downstairs bedroom with garden access would be a source of comfort and joy for his wife. The rejected planning application included supporting documentation which underscores how crucial this extension is for Gillian’s ongoing health and well-being, allowing her to remain in their beloved home for a longer period.
The Morisons, determined to pursue their vision for a more accessible home, have lodged an appeal against the council’s decision. They hope the appeal process will consider the significant improvement the extension would offer Gillian’s quality of life, balanced against the council’s concerns about the property’s historical character.
The situation raises questions about the balance between preserving historical aesthetics and accommodating the needs of residents, particularly those with disabilities, in adapting their homes for improved accessibility and comfort. The appeal outcome will undoubtedly set a precedent for similar cases within Perth and Kinross.
The couple envisioned the extension would also enhance Gillian’s connection with nature by providing direct access to their garden from the new bedroom. This was a particularly important aspect for Gillian, who finds immense pleasure in her garden. However, the council refused the application, citing concerns about preserving the “special character” of their historic home. The council argued the proposed extension would not be in keeping with the aesthetic and historical integrity of the property, which they likened to a Tudor-style house more commonly found in the Home Counties of England, with its distinctive red pantile roof. Previous Extension Granted
Adding to the couple’s frustration, this isn’t their first encounter with the council’s planning process. Two decades prior, in 2008, they successfully obtained permission for a sunroom extension on the opposite end of the house. John, Gillian’s 79-year-old husband, expressed bewilderment at the council’s current stance, emphasizing the intended symmetry of the new extension with the existing sunroom, which together would have created a visually pleasing U-shaped layout. He recalled the earlier application process as being much smoother and highlighted the couple’s belief that the proposed extension would enhance the property’s overall appearance. Impact on Quality of Life
The couple stressed the significant positive impact the downstairs bedroom would have on Gillian’s daily life. With her mobility issues worsening and a recent surgical consultation confirming no further medical interventions are possible, the ability to sleep downstairs would be transformative. John shared that even simply having a downstairs bedroom with garden access would be a source of comfort and joy for his wife. The rejected planning application included supporting documentation which underscores how crucial this extension is for Gillian’s ongoing health and well-being, allowing her to remain in their beloved home for a longer period.
The Morisons, determined to pursue their vision for a more accessible home, have lodged an appeal against the council’s decision. They hope the appeal process will consider the significant improvement the extension would offer Gillian’s quality of life, balanced against the council’s concerns about the property’s historical character.
The situation raises questions about the balance between preserving historical aesthetics and accommodating the needs of residents, particularly those with disabilities, in adapting their homes for improved accessibility and comfort. The appeal outcome will undoubtedly set a precedent for similar cases within Perth and Kinross.