Talks plea to resolve store plan headache
Members of Bridge of Allan Community Council have expressed a wish for the Coop to speak to the community before any resubmission of plans for a new town store.
The Co-op last week withdrew controversial plans, submitted in November, which involved respositioning the store to a site within the current car park opposite Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
Concerns had surfaced over the impact the building would have on the B-listed church, a reduction in parking spaces at the site, and the loss of mature trees.
Parish Church minister Rev Dan Harper had said the plans would have a “significant and detrimental impact on a hugely important social and religious site”.
Bridge of Allan Community Council was also among the objectors to the scheme.
At a community council meeting last Tuesday council member Iain McCusker said he expected the Co-op to return with another application for the site at the junction of Fountain Road and Keir Street.
He said: “We would really like a new Co-op, but not in any circumstances.
“Currently the size and positioning of the building isn’t suitable for the location.
“We’d like to let the Co-op know the community’s view. It’s an open plea to come and talk to the community.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillors Alasdair Tollemache and Douglas Dodds however pointed out that the Co-op did not need to talk with the community council, a consultee group, until the plans had been approved by Stirling Council.
Councillor Tollemache added: “All councillors suggest that they [the Co-op] do speak to you. That doesn’t mean that they have to.”
Councillor Dodds said council planners had not been happy with the Co-op’s plans and the parties were currently “sitting round the table.”
Mr McCusker pointed out that a Bridge of Allan resident had already written to Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells about the plans “but had not got anywhere.”
However, the community council agreed to write to Mr Murrells at the Co-op headquarters in Manchester on the matter.
A Co-op spokesperson said this week: “We remain committed to investing in and upgrading the Bridge of Allan Co-op store and are working with key stakeholders in order to find the best solution for the community.”