Construction of a luxury home on the site of a former mill in the heart of Dunblane could still go ahead despite years without progress.
Stirling Council has received a request to renew a planning application for the building of a three-storey house on Beech Road, a stone’s throw from Dunblane High Street, behind The Riverside pub and restaurant.
Though the development was originally approved in July 2022, work did not start on the project within the three-year time limit and official permission has now lapsed.
Working mill buildings once occupied the substantial plot of brownfield land, which spans 2,300 sq m, but it has been vacant for many years, aside from a large number of trees.
Applicant Andrew Scott has resubmitted the original plans for a three-storey home built into the hillside.
The design drawings show a stylish stone and timber-clad property with extensive balconies and a roof garden, all overlooking the Allan Water.
Inside, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, and a separate family room are spread across the three floors.
Outside, a private driveway has space for up to three cars.
Stirling Council must now decide whether or not to give the go-ahead once again.
Benefits outweigh loss of trees, says council
Prior to planning permission being granted three years ago, one objection was submitted.
It argued that felling trees on the site would have a negative impact on wildlife, such as bats and squirrels.
At the time, Stirling Council said: “An ecology report was submitted which found that the site had a low risk of use by bats and that the narrow stem trees are unlikely to hold a roost of any significant size.
“There was no evidence found of use by otters, holts, water vole and badgers.”
The council’s report of handling from 2022 acknowledges that 32 trees would need to be cut down in order to build the new house.
It read: “When this is set against improvements that can be made by managing the remaining woodland area – the initial loss to biodiversity is low, with positive gain likely.”
- Planning reference: 25/00329/FUL
For more Stirling news and features visit our page or join us on Facebook
Conversation