New town pavillion plan lodged

In February 2018, we told how formal planning permission was being sought for ambitious plans to build a £650,000 Victorian pavilion in the centre of Callander.

Local man Tom Jones submitted an application to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s planning authority for the structure, which if approved was to be located in the town’s Ancaster Square.

He said that the idea came about after a number of events held there, including Winterfest, were adversely impacted by wet weather.

And the pavilion’s proposed glass roof, which would be supported by iron pillars, would ensure protection from the elements.

The design also includes a built-in audio system, WIFI, LED floodlights, drainage seating, litter bins and a dance floor among other features.

Mr Jones, who was the chairman of the Callander branch of the Royal British Legion, revealed during a meeting of Callander Community Council at that time that he had formally submitted his application and was expecting to hear back within weeks.

Callander Community Council, who also previously submitted plans for a cover to be erected at the space, withdrew their application in light of the plans being “superseded by other ideas”.

Mr Jones said: “This allows the people of Callander to focus on the one proposal. I’ve submitted a 40-page dossier to the national park planning with reports from a structural engineer.

“This has been 11 months worth of work.

“The feedback from the public has largely been very good. A few people have raised concerns about the loss of trees and the visual impact on the church, and I fully understand and appreciate this, but we have had no technical issues.

“This is something we’re trying to do for the good of Callander.”

Mr Jones, who also ran the town’s

Highland Guest House, said he had secured funding for around half of the amount needed, but was reluctant to reveal the source of the funding until permission was granted.

The Observer previously reported that the plans were unveiled at a public open day the prior October.

Mr Jones said: “I first thought about a cover for Ancaster Square when I moved to Callander seven years ago.

“I play in Callander Brass and our concerts are often interrupted or cancelled because of the weather.

“The same is true for performances from Callander Pipe Band.”

He added: “The list of possible uses for the proposed pavilion are numerous, as are the benefits to many organisations and individuals within the community, and day-to-day visitors and tourists alike.”

However, in May of that same year, we told how the plans were sensationally dropped after opposition to the scheme mounted and Mr Jones decided not to take his application any further because of “political sensitivity”.

Mr Jones said he had spent more than £17,000 of his own money developing the plans as far back as March the previous year.