Neighbours blast Ayr garden garage plan

Nov 6 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A GARAGE can be built at the back of a house in one of Ayr’s most distinctive streets.

Councillors unanimously gave the go-ahead for the garage and other alterations at 11 Eglinton Terrace.

Consent came despite 18 letters of objection, from seven different households.

Eglinton Terrace backs on to Eglinton Place, and there is already a variety of back gates and garages to the rear of the terrace.

But objectors – both in Eglinton Place and Eglinton Terrace – believe the new development will be detrimental to the area.

Andrew Brown of 1 Eglinton Place spoke at the meeting, and claimed work was already underway – without planning consent.

And he made the point that the rear of Eglinton Terrace is what Eglinton Place residents see from their front doors.

Mr Brown said: “To be frank, most of the backs (of Eglinton Terrace) are a disgrace – but that’s another matter.”

He added: “We probably pay more council tax per square foot than anyone else.

“Why should we have another monstrosity to what’s already there?”

An agent for 11 Eglinton Terrace owner Elizabeth Alexander denied work on the garage had begun.

And he said the work underway was improvements to the main building.

The new double garage will be connected to existing outbuildings, and will have an office/study in the roof space.

A planner’s report says the garage and alterations are acceptable, with conditions.

Eglinton Terrace is a B listed street in an outstanding conservation area.