Proposed Ardentinny Housing Development
Response from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.
LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY - response to old.ardentinny.org regarding the Draft Local Plan 09/02/09
1. What was the process which led the National Park Authority to come to the decision to build the proposed housing development in Ardentinny?
In the National Park Consultative Draft Local Plan, we have identified a potential housing site in Ardentinny. The draft plan is currently out for consultation (until 28th February) and we are seeking views on the plan's policies and proposals, including this site. The consultation process enables anyone with an interest in the National Park the opportunity to comment on the draft plan and to get involved in the plan's development.
We have both a declining and aging population across the entire National Park. An aging population is particularly evident in Ardentinny where there is a large proportion of older people and minimal numbers of children and young adults. As well as providing for local housing needs, new housing can support population growth and to help support sustainable communities. This is in keeping with the fourth aim of the National Park to promote the sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities.
During 2007, we held 20 Local Plan Open Days with communities around the National Park to inform communities of the process involved to develop the new Local Plan and to seek initial community views on planning and development. 47 people attended the Ardentinny event, which accounts for approximately 26% of the Ardentinny Community Council area.
We published a feedback report on the results of the open day and we acknowledge that there may be other views in the community which were not represented on the day. In regards to housing, there were mixed views at the event on whether there should be more housing or not. Of those who thought there should be more, affordable housing was the main type of housing required. Families were identified as being the main type of household that people felt there should be more housing for.
The potential housing site identified in the local plan is owned by the Forestry Commission. As part of their National Forest Land scheme they are able to release it for affordable housing development. Affordable housing can be described as housing that is available to people on modest incomes who generally cannot afford to buy or rent accommodation on the open market. This site provides an opportunity for affordable housing in Ardentinny.
2. What is the National Park Authority's rationale for building this number of houses (36) on the proposed site?
The draft local plan shows an 'estimated capacity' of 36 houses, this is based on an estimate of the total number of houses that the site could accommodate if developed in its entirety. Like all potential development, this site would be subject to planning permission and planning conditions where required.
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)?
See response to Question 1.
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'?
Given that the site is owned by the Forestry Commission, it is expected that it would be developed for 100% affordable housing through the National Forest Land Scheme.
5. What new infrastructure is planned to support the proposed development?
As part of the consultation process we are engaging with our partner agencies such as SEPA, Scottish Water and Local Authorities to ensure that our proposals can be delivered during the lifetime of the plan and will not be hindered by development constraints.
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?
The local plan is informed by a number of elements including community views (such as the Local Plan Open Days, Community Action Plans), national planning policy, national and EU legislation, etc. A couple of sites were identified at the event and as part of the local plan process Park Authority staff went out on site and assessed these sites alongside other potential sites which we had identified. The sites which were identified at the 2007 open days were unsuitable due to location and landscape constraints.
7. Who will assess responses to the plan for this development and make a final decision? When will this take place?
Once the consultation period closes, we will assess all responses and will seek to resolve objections and amend the plan where necessary. We will then release a finalised local plan for consultation. If there are objections to the finalised local plan which cannot be resolved through negotiation, an examination of the plan will be undertaken by a Reporter selected by the Scottish Ministers. Amendments may be made to the local plan as directed by the Reporter as necessary.
It is anticipated that we will adopt the local plan in 2010. However this is subject to the number of responses we receive to the consultations, the time taken to resolve any objections and if there is a need for a public inquiry.
The Draft Local Plan consultation finishes on 28th February 2009. For more information on the draft local plan and how you can become involved in the process, please visit our website at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org.
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.
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