Our response to the Draft Local Plan
In November 2008 the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority published its Draft Local Plan for the Park area. CCDT has a number of concerns about the Plan, especially the scale of new development being mooted for Callander, and we submitted the following response to the Park Authority.
Response to Draft Local Plan
Callander Community Development Trust emphasises the need for ensuring that:
- There is careful reconsideration of the quantity of new housing proposed and what the impact will be on employment, services, and local housing needs.
- Affordable housing is made available to encourage, in particular, young people to stay in the town.
- The town's infrastructure which at present verges on the seriously inadequate is enhanced as a matter of priority to support all future housing and public building development.
- All new-build or rebuild is in keeping with the built and natural heritage of the town.
- Designated sites for the above are free from flood risk and implementation of flood prevention / protection plans is given urgent attention.
- The Gart Caravan Park is retained as a source of tourist income for the town, instead of becoming yet another housing development.
- Provision is made for additional small industrial and business units, to encourage trades/crafts people to stay locally and contribute to the local economy.
- Housing and work opportunities are planned always bearing in mind that Callander must not become a commuter town.
- Pressure is put on providers of public transport to offer a much more coordinated service, responsive to the needs of the community, thus reducing dependency on private cars, and taking account of the demographic of Callander residents. This refers to transport within the town, transport giving access to other rural areas in the National Park, transport links to rail and bus networks, and transport to hospitals, especially the new site at Larbert.
- Traffic management and parking is overhauled, safeguarding the convenience of residents, particularly during peak tourist periods, whilst not deterring tourists from stopping/ staying on in the town. Income from car park charges is reviewed, as currently it is not reinvested in the local economy.
- Stricter reinforcement of regulations for shop frontages is implemented, and maintenance of the premises/buildings is responsibly undertaken by the owners.
- Local start-up businesses are able to rent locally at affordable rents, and a cap is put on charity shops and multiples. Independent retailers offering the basics of living are attracted to the town so that shopping locally becomes the norm.
- Town signage is co-ordinated, and information boards for places of historic and environmental importance are installed.
- Practical support is available for development of space/s for allotments for which considerable local demand and enthusiasm is documented.
- Practical support for development of St Kessog's as a community cultural and events centre is seen as a priority, because it is an important building in the town's heritage, is a central focus, and when developed, will be a venue to accommodate activities and events to attract the local community, tourists and outside agencies looking for an appropriate venue for their purpose It will generate income for the local economy, and contribute to its own sustainability.
- Attention is given to certain open spaces which should be redesignated.
- Hotel development is a priority, both for top grade and budget provision. The Dreadnought, which is an iconic building in the town, and currently in a deplorable state of repair, is renovated to renew its status both as a hotel to be recommended and as a striking town landmark, like St Kessog's.
- The plans for Callander must revitalise it as a town providing for residents of all age groups to enjoy quality of education, work, leisure, housing, transport, health care. The local economy must be boosted by encouragement of live locally, work locally, shop locally. enjoy local leisure opportunities not only for residents but for tourists in all seasons.
Callander Community Development Trust, 2009
The Draft Local Plan
To obtain PDF copies of the Draft Local Plan documents please follow the link below which will take you to the Park Authority's Local Plan downloads page.