Gartmore Community Shop and Post Office is facing a crisis.
But hopes are being pinned on National Park members granting an appeal to allow a house to be built in the store’s grounds.
While the shop was a lifeline for the village during the initial stages of the pandemic, sales have plummeted this year and the store’s running costs are increasing.
Peter Sunderland, chair of the committee who have run the shop for 24 years, said there were a couple of reasons for this.
“As lockdown progressed everyone got more comfortable with the online world,” he said.
“Those who could never put their bank details on the screen, or didn’t trust online shopping, discovered it was both safe and convenient.
“And as everything has opened up with us all rushing around again, online is very handy. The village is full of delivery vans every day.
“At the same time fibre broadband arrived which was great - but not for the village shop. It became easier and less frustrating doing your online shopping.”
Earlier this year Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners refused planning permission for an application by the community owned shop to build a bungalow behind its premises on Main Street.
The application had attracted six objections and six expressions of support.
In a submission to the planners, the applicants had said: “Gartmore Shop and the flat above, called Ochil View, are community owned. There is a garden to the rear measuring approximately 50x13 metres. It comprises a patio at the back of the shop and garden ground from there to the lane at the rear. There is a small building containing a bedroom, shower and toilet, and a store in the garden.
“The garden is surplus to the requirements of the shop and the flat, which serves as accommodation for staff working in the adjacent Black Bull Hotel, which is also owned by the community.
“The proposal is to retain the patio as outside space for the occupant of the flat, and dispose of the remaining garden, with permission for a new house on the land. Money from the sale of the land will be used for the upkeep and repair of the shop and flat, putting it back into the community.
“This would be a huge benefit to the shop, which is vital to the village, but struggles to be profitable.”
Supporters had said the village shop, founded 24 years ago, provided an essential service for locals and the new house would provide much needed investment for the shop.
However, objectors said the proposal was “a sticking plaster” on the village shop and other options to improve its viability should be explored. There were also concerns it could set a precedent for back garden development in the village.
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In their decision, Park planners had said there were “multiple reasons” to refuse the application including unsuitability of the access, adverse impact on the Conservation Area, failure to meet affordable housing requirements and lack of detail evidencing that it would support the community shop.
The shop team, however, have appealed and say their one hope is the National Park will rethink the decision.
“The money the development raises would be invested in our flat,” said Mr Sunderland, “which will both make a great home but also the rent will keep the shop viable so it’s there for those who cannot leave the village or who are hopeless online shoppers.
“Without the permission, there’s only one real option left. We have tried everything.”
Mr Sunderland, who as a volunteer has carried the responsibility of sub postmaster for almost 25 years, said it would be “a tragedy” if the shop closes.
“In many ways it’s the heart of the village,” he said.
Mr Sunderland is also an advisor with the Plunkett organisation, which gives advice to communities with community shops across the UK. The model of a community shop also owning a rental property is becoming a preferred model, he added.
“All retail shops are facing challenges while the residential rental market is booming, so it’s a good recipe if you can combine both. It means the shop is always there when the village needs.
“We are pleading with the Park Authority to overturn their original refusal decision and grant the permission.”
The Park Authority meets on Monday May 30 to make their decision.
