sneil@obantimes.co.uk
NEW social housing in Connel built too close to Ann Colthart’s home due to a council planning blunder was spared demolition last Thursday, when councillors voted five to four to mitigate the mistake at a packed public hearing in Connel Village Hall.
Ms Colthart, a retired teacher, noticed in May that a two-storey semi-detached house in the neighbouring St Oran’s Place development was going up close to her 14-year-old sunroom at Duriehill. The building was 9.3 metres away from her property, when guidelines stated the window to window distance must be at least 18m. She said it invaded her privacy and caused distress.