House can be built on glamping pod site

A new house looks set to be built in Bridge of Allan after conditional approval was granted by Stirling Council planners.

Laura Robertson had submitted an application to develop land 150 metres south east of Lemahamish on Pendreich Road.

One representation was made, neither supporting nor objecting to the proposal, highlighting the risk of loss of natural habitats.

However, the planners said there were no ponds on the site of the proposed house and no trees would be lost. The plans include planting trees so there was not considered to be any detrimental impact on wildlife habitats.

In their decision, the planners added:“The site benefits from planning permission in principle for a house on the site (reference 18/00396/PPP). The proposed dwelling is stated as being required in order to assist with operating the four adjacent self-catering glamping pods, allowing the owner to be on site when required.

“The site is located within an area of open countryside in an upland hill area known as the Hill of Airthrey, which is designated in the Adopted Local Development Plan as a Local Landscape Area.

“The building will be situated beside land that has already been developed, and the proposed dwelling is considered to be appropriate to the surrounding buildings and also the wider surrounding area in terms of its appearance, position, height, scale, massing and materials.

“Due to the topography of the site and surrounding areas, as well as tree screening throughout the hillside, the dwelling will only be visible from certain vantage points, and as it will integrate with existing buildings on site, it will not impact on important views or skylines.

“Transport Development (Roads) have no objection subject to conditions relating to access width, visibility and access construction.”