Holiday homes plan for former restaurant
A former restaurant near Killin is to be turned into a new home plus holiday accommodation.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners have approved an application by Alan Cory Wright of Auchessan Estate for a change of use of the Old Flax Mill.
The plans also include removing a static caravan and replacing it with holiday pods around the site, plus car parking and landscaping.
The site is on the south side of the main A85 trunk road from Callander to Fort William, with Killin the nearest settlement around five miles east.
It currently houses the former restaurant, a number of outbuildings, including a wooden clad domestic dwelling, and a static caravan. There is a cluster of conifer trees in the middle of the site with some birch trees and low level shrubs.
In their decision, Park planners said: “The main building on the site, the Old Flax Inn, is a traditional single storey long mill building with slate roof and render finish.
“It is unlisted but is of unique local architectural merit.
“Adjacent to the site is a traditional white painted farmhouse with dormers in the roof, and a gated access road leads from the side of the neighbouring house into the application site.
“The existing caravan would be removed and replaced with pod accommodation. Three additional pods are proposed within the site with associated car parking. The site currently accommodates 15 car parking spaces andd there will be no increase but some of the spaces will be formalised. An area is designated for cycle parking and an existing storage building on the site will be converted into a cycle store.
“The proposed pods would each measure 5.2m x 5.2 x 2.7m and would be clad with locally sourced timber logs. Each would be self-contained and would accommodate a wc/shower and kitchen. The pods will access an air source heat pump and solar assistance to generate the heating and hot water.”
The conversion of the restaurant would see a three-bedroom home created for the on-site manager and landscaping would see extra birch trees planted along the northern boundary.
One letter was submitted in support of redevelopment of the site, also identifying that a right of access should be maintained between the neighbouring Liangarstan House and the one bedroomed cottage on the site.
The planners added: “A supporting statement highlights the popularity of staycations and the attraction of glamping pods as offering accommodation being close to nature but more secure than under canvas.
“The applicant advises that the nearest similar type of accommodation is over 15 miles away at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, and some glamping pods at Tyndrum.
“The area is attractive to those visiting the Colin Burt Foundation nature reserve and for walkers and mountain bikers using the Sustrans cycle path from Callander to Killin. The site owner will occupy the dwelling and manage the day to day running of the visitor accommodation.
“Where possible, the pods will be constructed from locally sourced timber. The development will not require any trees to be removed.
It is a brownfield site which will be returned to natural habitat as much as possible.
“Air source heat pump and solar panels are proposed to provide low carbon energy on the site.
“The proposal provides outdoor amenity space and is accessible to the surrounding countryside offering health and community interaction.
“The proposed change of use is expected to attract fewer vehicle movements than the previous use as a restaurant.
“The proposal will bring a redundant building of interest back into use and provide a suitable dwelling house for a family working in the park. The site is sufficiently large enough to accommodate the proposed four new pods and will meet a demand for the type of bespoke accommodation proposed.”
Where possible, the pods will be constructed from locally sourced timber. The development will not require any trees to be removed. Planners’ statement