PLANNING permission in principle has been granted for the formation of 12 new houses in Arrochar.
A decision notice was published on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority website at the end of last month, despite the application for a dozen homes on the former Cobbler’s Rest caravan park site having been submitted in November 2019.
The development area is located behind the Village Inn hotel - a category C listed building, and was the subject of three previous planning applications dating back to 2005.
Drymen-based applicant Dalebank Ltd say four terraced homes will be allocated for affordable housing while the other eight plots will be ‘self-build’ detached properties.
A handling report of the decision states: “The application site is allocated for housing development in the local plan.
“The allocation refers to 12 homes, an indicative figure which is understood to reflect a previous 2007 detailed planning permission for 12 houses which has since lapsed.
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“Although the application has been made in outline, it is understood that the applicant wishes to establish the principle of the proposed plot layout with only the details of the individual dwellings reserved to be put forward later by individual plot purchasers.
“A condition is included for the avoidance of doubt as to what is being granted planning permission, noting that the ‘approved plans’ are indicative only and that the layout is subject to further assessment when the requisite detailed information is available.”
The report notes that Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council “neither objected nor supported the planning application,” adding: “Support for the application was offered but with some reservations relating to the history of, and potential for, further non-implementation of any permission granted and the ongoing unattractive condition of the site.
“The Community Council insist that all existing access rights of neighbours are retained.”
It continues: “Since self-build plots are designed to be purchased and constructed by individuals at various times it is important that together, they provide a coherent aesthetic, maintain adequate separation and have regard for the amenity of neighbours.
“A written representation to the withdrawn application was received from the representative of the Village Inn hotel highlighting that the premises is often host to live music events and that development of housing to the rear might give rise to complaints from future occupiers which in turn could risk the ongoing business.
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“The site is allocated for housing and so in principle new housing is accepted here.
“The private gardens of the proposed dwellings would be generally to the rear and so would be shielded from noise by the dwellings themselves.”
Clark Design Architecture, the Dumbarton-based agent acting on behalf of the applicant, completed the conversion of a former police station in Alexandria into luxury homes last spring.
The company was also recently involved in the design of a new-build home in Helensburgh’s Campbell Street and is currently working on a new property in Cardross.
To view the Arrochar plans in more detail, search the reference number '2019/0299/PPP' at eplanning.lochlomond-trossachs.org.
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