Safety worry as roadside plan rejected
A9 scheme turned down on appeal
Controversial plans for an A9 roadside services development outside Dunblane have been turned down - on grounds including road safety following appeal.
Developers GB Grove Ltd had planned a filling station, HGV truck stop, amenity building with rest area, toilet and shower facilities and two units for use as a cafe and/or restaurant on land 500 metres south west of Balhaldie to serve northbound traffic.
It had been conditionally approved in August 2020, but opponents lodged a legal challenge against the decision which Stirling Council chose not to contest.
The proposal was returned to the council to be considered afresh and, at a meeting in September 2021, it was unanimously refused by the planning panel.
In December last year GB Grove lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government against this decision to refuse the application.
Rejecting the scheme, in a decision dated May 13, Reporter Lorna Mccallum pointed to the development plan comprising the Stirling Local Development Plan (LDP) 2018. The main issues were: the principle of the development at that location; road infrastructure, safety and access; the effect on landscape and cultural heritage.
On the principle of development the Reporter, referring to policy, said she did “not consider it had been shown that the development would provide significant economic and social support to the rural area or help meet deficiencies in provision.”
And she further pointed out: “In reaching my conclusions on road infrastructure, safety and access I have taken into account that Transport
Scotland has not objected to the proposal.
“However, in making my assessment I have taken into consideration all of the submissions, including the matters raised in representations and I acknowledge that the local residents and community council who raised concerns on traffic grounds will be familiar with this section of the A9.
“I have also had regard to my [April 28] observations on site. Although the risk of accidents cannot be quantified it is clear that safety is an important consideration in this case.
“On balance, I find that the evidence submitted does not allow me to conclude that safe access can be obtained for vehicles and pedestrians.”
However, the Reporter was “content that the proposal would not have an unacceptable effect upon the significant landscape characteristics and special qualities identified in the Inventory or would significantly detract from the importance or overall integrity of the [Sheriffmuir] battlefield.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache said this week: “This is good news on various grounds, but in particular on grounds of road safety.
“The safety of the A9 concerns many in the community and needs to be reassessed by Transport Scotland.”
...it is clear that safety is an important consideration in this case Reporter Lorna Mccallum