Planning permission has been granted to turn Gartmore’s former community shop into a flat.
National Park planners accepted the case put up by the shop’s agents that it was unlikely to be taken over as a business concern and waived the usual need for it to be marketed as such for a full 12 months.
Of four representations lodged on the change of use application, three were in support including Gartmore Community Trust board.
Supporters said the shop – which closed in September – was not financially viable, surplus funds from the sale would be distributed to another non-profit, cooperative or charitable body such as the Black Bull Hub and Pub or Gartmore Community Trust, and that without a change of use the shop was likely to be boarded up and vacant for a significant amount of time.
The objector, however, said there had been a shop and post office locally in Gartmore for generations providing fresh produce, the shop provides a social function also with chance exchanges and independent shopping for elderly, disabled and young children, tourists use the shop, and alternative options are to use the limited bus service to Aberfoyle or use cars which is against government policy to reduce carbon emissions.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners, however, said: “The property has been marketed since September 28 – there has been limited interest in the property and no offers have been received.
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“A ‘shop service project steering group’ has been set up. The purpose of the group is to investigate alternative ways in which the shop service can be provided within the village and to facilitate social interaction which has been lost due to the shop closure.
“It is unfortunate to lose a village shop and the role it serves within a rural community.”
They added:“However, given the proposal is submitted on behalf of the community shop, the difficult financial viability of a shop in this location, expressed community support for the proposal, and the work actively being done by the community to provide alternative shop provision and opportunities for social interaction, it is considered reasonable, in this case, to waive the 12 months vacant/marketing period required.”
