‘Outlander’ effect sparks car park and EV charge points plan
A new car park is set to be created in Doune in a bid to help the area cope with the so-called ‘Outlander’ effect.
The area has seen a surge in tourism activity after Doune Castle was used in the filming of the cult TV series.
While the village has continued to welcome visitors, there has been a knock on effect for parking and congestion and a host of measures have been tabled to ease the pressures.
Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by design partners Boyd Brothers for one project which involves landscaping, two disabled bays, four EV charging points, 12 bicycle spaces, four motorhome spaces, a minimum of 16 motorbikes spaces and 34 car spaces at a derelict former council depot between the A84 and Doune Ponds.
Three representations were submitted from members of the public, one of which objected to the application on grounds including insufficient screening, concerns about opening hours and overnight parking and anti-social behaviour.
However, in their decision, council planners said: “The car park will be open permanently with no limitation on access as per other parking facilities in the area. This is considered acceptable.
“The proposed development is sited on brownfield land which is currently derelict. The re-use of such land is encouraged.
“The creation of a parking facility is sought to address the increased traffic and parking by visitors to Doune Castle and the village centre.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) demonstrates that in 2013/14 there were approximately 40,000 visitors to Doune; by 2019/20 this had grown to 150,000 visitors.
The planners added: “This represents a 300 per cent growth in visitors, placing a significant strain on the very limited parking availability within the village. The proposed development will complement the existing tourist attraction of Doune Castle and the historic village, whilst the facility also offers EV charging points and cycle parking to encourage sustainable transportation methods.
“The scale and design of the facility is considered to be commensurate in scale with its location and setting.
“The proposed screening will be close boarded fencing and will be sited to the east of the development to offer additional screening to residential properties sited there. Additional details will be conditioned to ensure this is an adequate height and design of provide sufficient screening and that it is in keeping with the visual amenity of the area.
“One representation was received that was concerned about screening for the property to the north west of the site.
“However, this property is approximately 21 metres from the site boundary and considering the grass planting, the hardstanding area will be approximately 44 metres away. This distance coupled with the existing trees to the north and north west of the site are considered to offer adequate screening.”