Bid to turn derelict site into seven homes
Plans to turn rural buildings near Aberfoyle into seven new homes are being considered by National Park members on Monday.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park’s planning committee is set to discuss an application by Stronachlachar Development Ltd for a change of use and extension at Stronachlachar Cottage on the site of the former Scottish Water stores and associated office.
The bid also includes the building of five new terraced houses and one detached house.
The application, which has been recommended for approval by National Park planners, is coming before the committee because of an objection lodged by Strathard Community Council.
The community council has objected on the grounds that the siting and use of the proposed vehicle parking bays located on the northern boundary of the site would present a danger to cyclists on the blind corner (often at speed). A suggestion by Stirling Council’s roads authority suggesting limiting roadside hedging failed to allay their concerns.
Three individual objections have also been lodged by locals citing concerns including road safety and noise.
The site is on the western banks of Loch of the proposals.
“The site is within an existing dispersed building grouping and would offer a compatible expansion but consolidation of this existing grouping. This development of housing would support the growth of this community with new housing, which is considered to also accord with the key objectives of the Strathard/inversnaid Community Life Plan.
“The site’s current derelict condition would be enhanced with the redevelopment of seven new houses of a range of sizes (five of which are recommended to be secured as ‘primary residencies’) to supplement this rural community.
“The proposals seek to retain one of the original buildings and offer a high quality layout and design of small affordable, but also family-sized properties.
“Overall, the merits of the case - coupled with the presentation of a marginally viable development - lead to conclude that an exception from the policy requirement of delivery of any on-site affordable housing is accepted, to help achieve a positive reversal of prospects for this site.”
A total of 16 vehicle parking spaces (14 for resident use with an additional two visitor spaces) would be located within the curtilage of the properties and otherwise in a lay-by arrangement on the northern boundary of the site.