Scottish Ministers to step in on plan for abandoned cottage

Ferry Dykes Canal House, also known as Ferrydykes Cottage was due to be transformed into a family home after plans to create a four-bedroom property were approved by West Dunbartonshire Council.

The old bridge keepers cottage which sits on the side of the Forth and Clyde Canal has been empty for several years and set alight on two occasions as a popular target for vandals.

The building was purchased by the owner in 2006 and currently sits with most of its roof missing and in a state of derelict.

The cottage lies next to the Forth and Clyde Canal (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) At a planning committee meeting in August, councillors voted nine to one to approve the plans despite an objection from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

SEPA objected in principle to the plans over fears people or property are at risk of flooding which they call a dangerous situation.

They added that the ground will be at risk of flooding from the River Clyde based on their Future Flood Maps and a River Clyde Model from Fairhurt an engineering consultant.

The case has now been referred to the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division which will review the application and whether it complies with National Policy Framework 4 (NPF4).

A site visit is to take place will be carried out to help with the decision on this case.