Gartmore’s community shop has been refused planning permission to develop land behind the store in a bid to help secure its future.
The shop, which is community owned, submitted an application to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners seeking permission to build a bungalow behind its premises on Main Street.
But the planners have now refused the application, which attracted six objections and six expressions of support.
While the shop is seen as essential for the small village, it nevertheless is said to “struggle”.
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 surprlus 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.
In their decision, Park planners said there were “multiple reasons” to refuse the application.
They added: “The site is not an acceptable infill site due to unsuitability of the access and adverse impacts on the conservation area. The proposal does not meet the affordable housing requirements, does not accord with transport policy and does not satisfy the roads authority’s recommendations.
“It would cause significant harm to the character and setting of Gartmore Conservation Area, is likely to have an adverse impact on residential amenity in terms of access to sunlight and it would have an adverse impact on the cultural and natural heritage of Gartmore.
“Although the rationale provides a logical framework for supporting the community shop, it is lacking in detail and substantiated evidence. A detailed financial statement would be required to show the land value, the estimated sale price, the current outstanding mortgage and a breakdown of how the expected income would be invested into the shop and flat. Other possible options, such as converting the existing ancillary building to holiday let accommodation, have been dismissed without providing evidence.
“A full and detailed options appraisal would be required to demonstrate that the current proposal is the best option for the sustainable management and development of the community’s assets.
“Although the National Park is supportive of community enterprises, in this instance there is insufficient justification to recommend an approval.”
