Questions asked over homes bid
Developers who have earmarked a controversial site in Bridge of Allan for housing have asked Stirling Council what level of consideration needs to be given to environmental factors.
Allanwater Homes have asked council planners for a Screening Opinion on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment would be needed alongside any formal plans for developing the land at Blairforkie Drive.
The firm submitted a Pre-Application Notice - a precursor to any major planning application - in October 2020 outlining their hopes for the grassy site at the western edge of Bridge of Allan including residential development, ground remodelling, new and altered roads and footpaths, infrastructure and landscaping.
The site is currently designated as green belt and is part of the Western Ochils Local Landscape Area.
In their submission to planners, agents for the developers said:“The site itself is not the subject of any national/regional biodiversity or landscape designations, although it does lie next to the Kippenrait Glen Special Area of Conservation (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that lies to the west and north of Fisher’s Green. For that reason, and to assess the biodiversity and landscape interest of the site, the applicant has commissioned an ecological assessment and a landscape and visual appraisal.”
Earlier this year opponents of the scheme raised concerns about its impact on the adjacent Darn Walk, a popular walking route which links Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.
The developer has described the scheme as‘the next generation’of housing growth in the town. Allanwater Homes’indicative proposal stated that ‘the concept is for a sustainable development of approximately 40 homes and a flatted block of over three storeys with combined cottage flats, providing in the region of 30 flatted dwellings, set within the lower portion of the site to mitigate the height of the block to maintain views’.
However, residents living near the site have already expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact as well as increased road traffic and pressures on infrastructure when the scheme emerged at the end of last year.
A leaflet was circulated earlier this year by concerned residents (said to be more than 100 households) seeking support‘to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty’.
At that time Ferniebank Brae resident Brian Park, who put the leaflet together, said:“A large number of people use the Darn Walk linking Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. It is an important and valued recreational and environmental asset. If this scheme were to go ahead it would have a significant impact on the Darn Walk.”
Allanwater Homes have said the proposed development has been designed to take account of the physical characteristics and constraints of the site as well as the wider character of the area, including the adjacent SSSI and that the final proposals would seek to improve the Darn Walk making it more accessible for users.
Council planners are expected to respond to the screening opinion request in due course.