Developer pulls plan to build on battle site
Developers have withdrawn an appeal to be allowed to build 250 houses on the Bannockburn battle field.
Hallam Land Management’s controversial planning application for the site between the Bannockburn Burn, New Line Road and west of Glasgow Road was unanimously rejected by Stirling Council’s planning panel in October, 2017.
It had sparked a petition of more than 500 signatures and council planning officers had listed 13 reasons for refusal including that the development would not respect the surrounding important landmark or view of the Bannockburn Monument.
The development was also proposed for a green belt area and said to be “significantly contrary” to the local development plan.
National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland had also both objected to the application.
The company went on to submit an appeal against the decision to the DPEA (the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environment Appeals Division).
Hallam claimed the plans would not have a significant adverse impact and would even expand the existing Bannockburn Heritage Trail by introducing a new footpath network and interpretation boards, linking with Borestone Heritage Trail.
They had also pledged to carry out extensive archaeological investigations to help with understanding the 1314 battle.
In June, before the appeals reporter could issue a ruling, it was called in by Scottish Government Ministers who said they wanted to take the appeal decision as it raised “issues of national significance relating to the proposed development site and the potential impacts on this historic battlefield”.
However, this week it was confirmed that the company had notified the DPEA it no longer wanted to proceed with the appeal.
Councillor Scott Farmer told the Observer: “As a local member I am delighted that Hallam have finally seen sense and withdrawn their appeal.
“This application was unanimously rejected by council and it is of critical importance for the economic wellbeing of Stirling that we protect areas of outstanding landscape value and the integrity of our historic assets such as the battlefield site of the battle of Bannockburn.”
Hallam had previously expressed “surprise” that the application had been called in by Scottish Ministers six months after the original submission of their appeal and beyond the decision target date of March 2018.