Service station concerns

Councillors are set to decide on plans for new roadside services on the A9 at Firs of Kinbuck near Dunblane.

Stirling Council planners are recommending refusal of the application by GB Grove Ltd, which goes before the authority’s planning panel on Tuesday.

Dunblane Community Council has objected to the proposal fearing it would erode the countryside and also set a dangerous precedent for further development. They also feel it could encourage tourists and visitors to bypass Dunblane and also that filling stations will be phased out in coming years.

A total of 21 individual representations have also been made with some raising concerns over the scale of the development, light pollution, visual impact, environmental impact.

Transport Scotland, whilst not objecting to the plans, have expressed concern about same road safety aspects, including the potential for an increase in u-turns. They say, however, that mitigation measures could be put in place.

Many of the objections raise concerns about the site being part of the Battle of Sheriffmuir, however the council’s archaeologist has said while there are historical links it is not part of the official UNESCO designation.

The developers, however, say the proposals would deliver a“much needed, modern service station for the residents of Dunblane and Kinbuck” and would boost the Stirling area economy by around £3.3 million.

The applicant is a long-established developer and operator of roadside service areas and petrol filling stations, including several in Scotland.

The proposed development comprises a petrol filling station, HGV truck stop, an amenity building (incorporating a rest area, toilet and shower facilities) and two units for use as a cafe and/or restaurant. The first phase will comprise a petrol filling station and a drive-thru restaurant.

They said:“we are delighted to have BP confirmed as the operator of the petrol filling station and the applicant has been approached by a number of potential operators for the cafe and restaurants units.

“Despite the economic climate this investment is deliverable and the applicant intends to progress straight into the delivery of phase one should it gain consent.”

The application was originally submitted in December 2018 and included the provision of a three-star hotel and associated leisure building, a revised application later removed the leisure building and further revised application removed the hotel.

The applicant’s agents added:“at present there is only a limited offering in terms of roadside facilities for those living in and north-bound traffic passing through Stirling via the A9, with no facilities in Dunblane and the nearest at Stirling Motorway Services (13 miles from the site). This development will not impact upon Dunblane High Street as the retail offering will be very small and will deliver a much-needed petrol station for nearby residents in

Dunblane and Kinbuck.”