More than 100 sign petition to halt mast
Villagers step up fight to prevent ‘unsightly’proposal
A petition against a 13.5metre-high smart mast in Strathyre has attracted over 100 signatures.
Around 30 villagers joined a top table of community representatives at a meeting in the village hall on Monday evening to voice concerns over the plans by applicants Arquiva.
The mast is earmarked for a site outside Tigh Na Corra Ghriothaich on a main route into the village.
Villagers say it will be “unsightly”, particularly for tourists heading south into the village and for those heading towards the north end.
Poor consultation was among the issues raised, with only one householder being officially notified as planning policies only require notification of properties within a 20 metre boundary.
However, many were disappointed that efforts had not been made to go beyond the criteria.
Other concerns raised included potential health risks, impact on tourism, removal of trees, proximity to residential properties, and suitability of the site because of ground stability issues.
Fears were also voiced that there was potential to increase the height of the mast even further in future and add extra equipment.
Some also felt that alternative sites had not been properly considered.
Impact on wildlife including owls, bats, pine martens and newts said to inhabit the area were also among the main worries.
Potential disruption on the busy A84 trunk road, the pathway/ cycleway and the award winning BLiSStrail artwork project was also raised.
One resident said: “The village is very concerned at the total lack of consultation with the village on such a sensitive matter with such a negative impct on the path use and access.”
Evelyn Tweed, SNP councillor for Trossachs and Teith, who was among those at the top table during the meeting, said: “The public meeting I attended in Strathyre was well attended and people are very unhappy about the prospect of a mast so close to houses and amenities which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the area’s natural environment.
“I will work closely with local people to make sure their voices are heard when the matter is discussed by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planning panel.”
A petition, already signed by around 107 members of the community, is still available. Anyone wishing to add their names can do so by the end of today (Friday) at the home of Kenny Higgins - Ar Tigh, in the lane opposite the village shop.
The application is expected to be the subject of a hearing before Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s planning committee in the coming months.