Barr Bheag in Glen Lonan has been my home for many years, and as well it is the base for ‘The Rusty Cycle Shed’ cycle hire and repair. It is under threat of demolition AGAIN by our landlord in an attempt to secure our eviction from our home and business. We don't believe he genuinely wants to demolish the house but believe he wants to use demolition as grounds for eviction then repair it.
The first application to demolish Barr Bheag was withdrawn after the planning office received over 300 objections.
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A second application was made by Sean Honeyman to demolish the house and replace it with a new house. This too received hundreds of objections. The effect of demolition would remain the same being the eviction of the long term tenants.
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The planning applications have been made simply to support the landlord's case to evict the tenants. Why? Because we asked for essential repairs to be carried out:
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A Repairing Standard Enforcement Order was issued by the Scottish Courts early in 2017 for essential repairs to the house which are the landlords responsibility.
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The Repairs Tribunal decided, in July 2018, that the landlord had failed to comply with the Repairing Standard Enforcement Order and to issue a Rent Relief Order reducing the rent by 85%. The landlord has refused to accept this decision and will appeal.
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The landlord has applied for re-possession of the house and our eviction. The Re-possession Tribunal found, in March 2018, that the grounds for eviction had not been met. The landlord has refused to accept that finding and will appeal. The success of the landlord's case is dependent on the outcome of the planning application.
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The planning application has now been appealed to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government DPEA who will make a decision around mid March 2019. Argyll and Bute Council have stated that their position is that the permission should be refused.
If planning permission is granted and the eviction action succeeds, not only would we lose our home and business premises of 14 years, but it could set a dangerous precedent for the future, allowing landlords to avoid their responsibilities to repair and force people from their homes.
Thankyou for your continued interest and support in opposing this mean spirited proposition.
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