National Park Consultation Open Day raises more questions than answers?
On Wednesday 4th February, 2009 representatives of old.ardentinny.org attended the National Parks' drop-in consultation day in the Younger Institute in Kilmun with the intention of asking impartial questions regarding the plan to build 36 new houses on currently Forestry Commission-owned land south of Lochview, in order to better inform those who did not/could not attend.
The event was well attended, packing the inadequate space provided. When we introduced ourselves to one of the Planning Officers in attendance, we were told that she did not feel qualified to answer questions to the media and that these should be addressed, in writing, to *Susan Brooks, Planning Officer. This we have done and these are the questions we have posed:
1. What was the process which led the National Park to come to the decision to build the proposed housing development in Ardentinny?
2. What is the National Park's rationale for building this number of houses (36) on the proposed site?
3. Can you explain how this proposed housing supply will 'meet the needs of its community and support a healthy economy', as defined as part of the National Park's criteria (p.13 Consultative Draft Local Plan November 2008).
4. Can you provide the percentage of affordable housing on the proposed site? We note that 25% is the stated 'settlement' requirement. Therefore, will all 36 fall into the category of 'affordable housing'?
5. What new infrastructure is planned to support the proposed development?
6. Why has the National Park authority apparently rejected the wishes and suggestions of the local community regarding the provision and siting of affordable housing expressed via two consultative Open Days held in the village in 2007?
7. Who will assess resposes to the plan for this development and make a final decision? When will this take place?
The above has been sent by email, will be followed up with a hard copy by registered mail and a telephone call to check it was received. We will post the requested responses as soon as we have them.
* [Correction 10 Feb. 09]
We have been informed by Susan Brooks that she is not, as we had understood, Head of Communications for the National Park but Planning Officer and that all questions regarding The Consultative Draft Local Plan November 2008 should be directed to The Forward Planning Team, National Park Headquarters, 20 Carrochan Road, Balloch, G83 8EG. She also stressed that no decision has yet been made to build the proposed housing development in Ardentinny.
What to do next?
Please download, complete and return the National Park Draft Local Plan Response Form (PDF) to the National Park.
A Word version which can be returned by email to the Park Authority, is available here. Document: Consultative Draft Local Plan November 2008.
Section/Policy: 3.5 Housing/HOUS1. Schedule 1 proposed housing development Ardentinny.
Page: 22 & 95.
RESPONSE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PARK AUTHORITY BY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2009.
Join the debate in our Discussion Forum.
Downloads (PDF)
- Ardentinny-related extracts from Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park publication:
Consultative Draft Local Plan - November 2008.
- Affordable Housing Requirement in Settlements.
Download Draft Local Plan from Park Authority website.
The proposed site plan.
[image removed]Note: The National Park Authority has informed us that the publication of the proposed housing site plan (extracted from Draft Local Plan) could contravene Ordnance Survey copyright. We have therefore removed the image. We will be seeking permission to publish the plan in due course. Meanwhile, see proposed site indicated within Google map below.
View Larger Map
The proposed site (video).
The proposed site (stills)
Click image to enlarge
Local Plan Open Day.