Anger as micropub proposal is revived
Threat to barricade business
Callander residents have hit out at calls for a review of a decision to refuse planning permission for a new pub in the town
Controversial plans to turn the former Dun Whinny’s cafe, in Bridge Street, into a micropub were turned down last month over concern about the impact it would have on nearby residents.
Now the applicant, Ian Hunter, wants the application re-examined.
Mr Hunter has asked for a review of the decision by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
He appealed to the Scottish Government last month but they said they have no power to overturn the decision. The right of appeal lies with the national park planning authority.
The notice of review was submitted to park planners in late April.
Mr Hunter proposed to open a public house which sells independent real ale and cider “straight from the cask”.
The application was lodged in December and met with objections from residents and Callander Community Council.
The national park planning authority cited the potential negative impact on residential amenity and the privacy of the neighbouring properties when the proposal was rejected.
Concerns were raised about the likely increase in noise and activity outside the premises during unsociable hours.
In his appeal to the Scottish Government Mr Hunter said: “The property is already a commercial premises which has been trading as a cafe. The flat above has not objected.
“The opening hours proposed, which could be amended, are not unsociable.
“The area is not principally residential, being 30 metres from the high street on a trunk road and even closer to an existing shop and holiday letting business.”
Concerned residents from adjoining properties attended the May meeting of Callander Community Council to voice their reservations over the call for a review.
One resident said: “My worry is that they will subversively manage to get this through somehow.
“I’ve got a five-year-old and a four-year-old. I don’t want a pub on my garden and if it comes to it – and I’m pretty sure the other residents would – we would actively barricade that place.
“We know who is doing it and we know the reasons why they are doing it but they are not engaging with us either.”
At the meeting it was suggested that the community council should invite Mr Hunter to meet the residents.