The Covid pandemic has shown a need for new homes to be built in the countryside, a landowner is claiming in a bid to build a four-bedroom house on a horse paddock.
Agents for applicant Tony Pia say his plans for a new home on the land near Meyerling, Penicuik, in Midlothian, should be approved despite being in the countryside on land not identified for housing.
And they say that despite planning applications for adjoining land being refused several times over recent years, this time it is different.
In a statement to Midlothian planners they said: "There are many positive reasons for locating within the countryside, and there are likewise negative reasons for locating within existing built-up areas.
"This has become very evident during the 2020-21 Covid 19 pandemic.
"Health and wellbeing, level of amenity, and access to the outdoors, makes a fundamental contribution to our health and wellbeing, while at the same time helping to connect people with the land and broaden understanding of issues relating to land use."
The planning application is for a four-bedroom farmhouse with an additional second building which will house a garage and laundry as well as a home office.
The agents acknowledge that council policy is against new homes being built in the countryside with few exceptions but argues that the rules should not constrain opportunities to create housing.
And they urge the council to continue restraining new houses for people who want to live in the country and work in towns and cities while supporting people who want to live and work in the countryside.
They said: "Housing in the countryside recognises that one of the most significant changes in rural areas has been a rise in the number of people wishing to live in the accessible parts of the countryside while continuing to commute to work in towns and cities.
"Others wish to live and work in the countryside. It is important to support the latter whilst trying to restrain the former.
"Also, an issue which has become part of the new way of working, during and post-Covid 19 pandemic, is the desire and ability to work from home.
"This is no more apparent than in the council’s own workforce who have been able to continue working from home on laptops, home computers mobile devices and by telephone.
"Video meetings have become the norm and have been seen as an acceptable way to work. Driving to work has become far less necessary.
"Likewise, online shopping has become much more prevalent, and the need to drive to the supermarket has decreased significantly.
"We should design the properties to be attractive and functional for those who have a desire to live and work in the countryside, and to allow for effective home working."
The plans have been published online for comment.
