Affordable housing proposals for farmland
People in Callander will get a chance to have their say on a bid for around 50 new affordable homes on farmland on the outskirts of the town.
A pre-application consultation notice has now been lodged with planners at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for the land at Claish Farm, east of the A81 south of Callander, near McLaren High School.
Developers Lovell, who were chosen last year as Rural Stirling Housing Association’s preferred partner to design and build the homes, is to hold two public consultation events in the coming weeks to gauge opinion on the project.
Stephen Profili, regional managing director of Lovell in Scotland, said: “The (consultation) event will provide more details of our plans for the Claish Farm site and be an important opportunity for the community to give us their initial feedback on the proposals.”
Initial details revealed last year have suggested the £5 million development could consist of one, two and three-bedroom homes for social rent on the site.
The site at Claish Farm is the largest area highlighted for development within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority’s Local Development Plan, with further potential for developments such as a hotel and a riverside walkway.
National Park Authority planners have said negotiations have also been taking place with partners and the landowner at Claish Farm for the wider development of the land.
Bob Salter of Geddes Consulting, who has submitted the PreApplication Notice on behalf of the developers, said: “We are still to finalise the schedule of meetings but we would expect to hold the first public consultation meeting in February. This is planned to be held in McLaren High School.
“Stuart and Val Gray are the owners of Claish Farm and they are pleased that part of the proposals discussed at the Callander Charette are now coming forward to fruition.”
A Pre-Application Notice is submitted by developers when they intend to submit a planning application for a major development. It includes details of how they intend to consult the local community to allow residents and businesses the chance to share their views and ask any questions before an actual planning application is submitted. They will still have the opportunity to make representations to the planning authority once the application is submitted.
Following the consultation the applicant will compile a report capturing the points raised by the community and any changes that have been made to the proposals as a result. This report must accompany any subsequent planning application.
An important opportunity for the community to give their initial feedback