Strathard residents are concerned that ongoing flooding issues will put a brake on future development in the area.
It follows a Stirling Council objection to a change of use planning application for a caravan site at Ledard Farm off the B829 Aberfoyle-Inversnaid road.
Planners state in the objection that the proposed caravan site ‘lies close to an area of high flood risk and is currently predicted to have no safe ingress or egress route according to the SEPA flood risk maps’ adding: “With flooding from multiple sources predicted to inundate the road preventing vehicular access by people and the emergency services”.
It was also pointed out that tourist accommodation – like caravan parks – is considered ‘most vulnerable’ according to SEPA land use vulnerability guidance.
Trossachs and Teith SNP councillor Gene Maxwell said: “Members of the local community have approached me because of the implication that flooding at Aberfoyle and resultant inability to get emergency service vehicles up the single track access road into Strathard, nearly 15 miles of road, will impact on future planning decisions.”
Conservative colleague Martin Earl added: “I have asked for council officers to meet with the planning authority to discuss this and the potential impact such a position will have if taken for all other relevant applications.”
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Caravan park applicant Fergus Wood – whose plans include four pods, formation of new access and installation of sewage treatment plant – said: “The council response is effectively writing off the area around the B829 road. Tourism is a vital economic activity in this area.
“If this response is true for the B829 – it is equally true for other roads in the district like the Balquhidder road which is also prone to flooding.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said this week: “Infrastructure that supports sustainable development is a crucial aspect of consideration by Stirling Council with all planning application consultations received.
“Any consultation response takes account of the area’s Local Flood Risk Management Plan. These are in place to inform how councils will work with partners to reduce the effects of flooding on communities.”
A group of volunteers, backed by Strathard Community Council, are currently looking at identifying measures to defend against flooding which occurs regularly.
Strathard Community Council chairperson Paul Mackintosh added: “They have recommended raising the height of the Loch Ard road at the point where it floods and building a flood alleviation dam higher up in the Duchray Water to control flash flooding. This measure would also benefit communities downstream of Aberfoyle.
“Strathard Community Council is now making representations on this to Stirling Council with a view to action being taken before more hardship is caused by more flooding.”
