Stirling Observer

Locals object to care home’s revised plan Letters of support from Glasgow, Chryston and Whitburn

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

Around twenty objections have been lodged over revised plans for a 60-bed care home on Bridge of Allan’s main street.

Simply UK submitted the plans in August proposing the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a 60-bed care home at 103 to 105 Henderson Street – incorporat­ing the retained C-listed building at 103. These followed the withdrawal of previous plans for a 70-bed facility.

As of this week around 20 individual objections had been submitted, the majority with Bridge of Allan addresses.

Seventeen letters of support – pointing to the demand for care home facilities – had also been lodged with the council from addresses which included Stirling, Plean, Clackmanna­n, Tullibody, Glasgow, Whitburn and Chryston.

Opponents’ concerns included “inadequate” parking for the proposed home’s staff, loss of trees, the scale of the developmen­t and the loss of privacy for neighbours.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust in its submission pointed out that the 105 Henderson Street building is “a significan­t” bat roost – and nest boxes for birds and bats should be built into the new building’s structure.

Near neighbour Marion Haines described the size and scale of the developmen­t as “inappropri­ate” for a Conservati­on Area adding: “A reduction of 10 bedrooms from the initial plan is hardly noticeable in the broad and stretching roadside view.

“Its frontage is far greater than any other building at this point of the village, and out of keeping.”

She continued: “I have a real concern for the loss of privacy and light from the closeness of the structure. The building to the left of the existing villa (103) is very close to my property boundary wall. Having a three-storey building within less than six metres will have a significan­t impact on me, both in my house and my garden.”

Another near neighbour Douglas Dodds said: “A 60-bed care home is likely to require a fairly high level of staffing. Twenty car spaces with two disabled bays is likely to be inadequate.

“Although I agree that Bridge Of Allan is very well connected by bus and train services, residents and probably many staff are unlikely be local to this area which will result in additional visiting cars potentiall­y over-spilling on to Henderson Street or nearby streets [like] Melville Place [and] Keir Street, both of which are already overcrowde­d with parked cars.”

The Scottish Wildlife Trust said a wildlife-friendly landscape management and maintenanc­e plan is needed for the project.

The charity stated: ‘The tree survey makes no mention of protected species (bats, red squirrels, possible badger, nesting birds etc, nor breeding periods). Hedgehogs also use this site.

‘Detailed surveys by a qualified ecologist are required before any work starts. Their advice regarding protection and enhancing the site [requires] to be followed.

‘As many trees as possible should be preserved with appropriat­e root protection zones for all.

‘A detailed, considered planting plan with species to enhance the site, replace vegetation that will be lost and providing benefits for wildlife is required.’

Simply UK land director Neil Dobbie said this week that objectors’ concerns “are all being addressed through the design process and are in accordance with local planning policies”.

He added: “Parking provision exceeds normal standards as part of a green travel approach. Our own experience indicates there will be more than sufficient spaces

“There will be a net gain in both the numbers and varieties of trees within the site. A landscape management plan would likely be a condition of any consent.

Privacy, sunlight and overshadow­ing will not be compromise­d with new public amenity space and footpaths.”

Mr Dobbie also said that the impact on the community will be “negligible” and neighbours will be kept informed of management arrangemen­ts.

He added: “Our approach to care, extra care and dementia provision meets establishe­d local needs and is in line with health and care strategy.

“Given planning consent we are looking forward to bringing the village a state-of-the-art, top-class, care facility which we believe will enhance the local area and provide a much needed and valuable local resource.”

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 ??  ?? Plans Developers want to build a new care home in the Bridge of Allan Conservati­on Area
Plans Developers want to build a new care home in the Bridge of Allan Conservati­on Area

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