Bridge of Allan planning appeal rejected

Allanwater Homes has submitted a planning application for 46 homes on a site off Blairforkie Drive in 2022.

Nearly 300 objections were lodged with planners, including Bridge of Allan community councils, expressing concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project as well as increased road traffic and pressures on infrastructure.

But Allanwater Houses objected The Scottish Government’s Department of Planning and Environment Appeals (DPEA) and Stirling Council over the failure to determine planning permission.

In its submission to the DPEA, Geddes Consulting argued that planning permission should be granted, pointing to Local Development Plan (LDP) policies and the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

But the DPEA correspondent has now rejected the objection and refused planning permission.

Chief correspondent David Buylla said: “Whilst I find that the proposal meets some of the requirements of the development plan, the principle of development is not supported by this plan and overall I consider the proposal to be contrary to the development plan.

“The proposal will contribute to the local and national economy and deliver much-needed affordable housing within a 10-minute walk of the city centre. It will also help address the housing emergency. These are positive considerations that will offset the development plan conflict.”

But he added: “The detriment that the proposal will cause to the amenity of users of the adjacent main road is, by contrast, a negative material consideration.

“Having considered all the evidence placed before me, I find that the apparent contradiction with the development plan does not outweigh other material considerations. Therefore, there is no reason to allow this objection.”

A spokesman for Allanwater Homes said: Scottish Housing News: “When we lodged our objection with the DPEA in relation to our proposed housing development at Bridge of Allan Blairforkie, we were very disappointed with the outcome. “Our plans for the land would bring much-needed new family and affordable housing to the area.”