Neighbours back farm’s legacy plan

Neighbours’ support has helped a farming family near Blairdrummond realise their hopes of building an extra house on their land.

Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Mr R Kenny for the house and garden on a site next to and south of Rosecroft.

The applicant told planners that the house would serve short to medium -term labour needs of the existing farm and to provide needed accommodation for the next generation of farmers within the Kenny family.

There were no objections to the bid, however four neighbours wrote in support of the proposal, backing the need to protect and maintain the future operation of the farm business as it was considered “as a key asset to the rural community”.

There was also support for ensuring the legacy of the farm remained firmly within the Kenny family, who have operated the over 50 hectare farm between Blairdrummond and Gargunnock over successive generations for more than 100 years.

The site of the new house is on the north side of Robertsons Lane and almost 100 metres from the B-listed building Mosslaird, formerly Blairdrummond School.

In their decision, Stirling Council planners said: “The applicant has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate he has a genuine need to be housed in the vicinity for agriculture. The proposed agricultural worker’s dwelling is justified.

“Over a five-year- plan period, the applicant proposes to expand the herd of cattle further and adapt his practices to maximise output by finishing his own calves and producing a higher proportion of pedigree cattle with excellent breeding potential. He also proposes to improve the quality of arable production, increase yields and improve soil condition.

“Sheep numbers will be increased and outputs will be improved by targeting specialised wool breeds for wool production. Poultry levels will be maintained and a breeding programme established for the commercial sale of breeding hens.

“In terms of succession management, the applicant proposes that his father will retire at age 67 in five years at which time the applicant and his partner will take over the running of the farm on a full time basis.

“The proposed dwelling will also enable the applicant’s parents, who currently run the farm, to continue to live on the farm when they retire.

“The applicant has emphasised that in the interests of animal health regulations, his continual presence on the farm to tend to animals during the calving and lambing season is vital.”