Mums’ fury at hub plan
Plans could mean having to move play park
Plans for a new community hub has angered some villagers in Doune.
They have hit out after discovering that the facility could be built on a play park. Some mums say moving the play area will make it less secure. Community councillors are due to meet next week to discuss it.
People in Doune have been given extra time to comment on proposals to build a new community facility in the village’s Moray Park.
An application for the development was last month lodged with Stirling Council. But if the scheme is approved in its present form, it’s likely to lead to the re-location of the children’s play area within the park – and that has upset some villagers. A delegation of around eight residents expressed reservations about the blueprint at this week’s meeting of Kilmadock Community Council.
Following the meeting, chairman Jim Innes assured residents that the community council was still considering representations and no final decision on the re-location of the play park had been made.
A special meeting of the community council is to be held, probably next Wednesday, to discuss the residents’ views.
The application has been framed by Kilmadock Development Trust.
It is for a new building to provide accommodation Red Kite pre-school nursery, a youth group, changing area for sports teams and general community facilities. At the moment, the village’s youth club is held in a Portacabin while Doune Amateurs have to change in what community council vice-chairman Jim McKenzie called a “wood shed”. Both structures are in the park.
The new community hub is expected to cost in the region of £500,000. Grant funding from sources such as the Lottery would have to be found to finance the new development.
Mr McKenzie, who chaired Monday’s meeting, was disappointed that the plans did not show exactly where the new facility would be sited.
“There is not enough information,” he added. “The community 20 years ago raised money to create that play area and I can I understand why people are upset over the possibility that it might be moved.
“At the moment the play park is close to housing (in King Street) and people believe that if it is moved, there will be less security.”
“The development trust have known all along that there will be substantial objections to this, and the objectors have a very valid point.”
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl, who attended this week’s meeting, said the date by which comments could be submitted concerning the application had been put back to June 29. He added: “I said at the meeting on Monday that I would make sure the deadline was extended and I am glad the planners have agreed to do that.
“It will allow time for all comments to be received and I would encourage anyone to make all comments about this application through the proper channels and make sure that a considered view on the application can be taken.”
Karen Ross, convener of the development trust, insisted the proposals as they stand had already been subject of an extensive consultation exercise within the village.
She said the reason the facility had been located at the play area site was to avoid a gas pipe across the park.
“It also has to do with the footprint of the building,” she added. “To secure grant aid, we need to a multi-functional building that will not only provide accommodation for the three groups who are interested in using it but will also have a wider use. It has to have (scope) for possible expansion.”
Ms Ross said they had collected the names of 100 people who supported the plans and she added: “The safety of children in a play area doesn’t depend on its location in a park area. Because a play area is overlooked by houses doesn’t mean children are safe; it’s not a valid argument. You shouldn’t rely on others to police your children.”