A councillor has backed a request from Bridge of Allan Community Council for further talks on the siting of a new Co-op store in the town.
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Tory councillor Alastair Majury said this week it was only right that residents be properly consulted on the plans to build a new store at the south end of the existing site.
The retailer has lodged an application with Stirling Council planners for the proposed development between Fountain Road and Keir Street.
However, while most people welcome the bid for a new store, they are nonetheless unhappy at how it would be positioned.
Councillor Majury said: “Most of the spa town of Bridge of Allan is rightfully a conservation area, and I fully support the community council’s view that there be appropriate consultation, involving a dialogue between Stirling Council, the Co-op, and the community of Bridge of Allan.
“Like the community council I also recognise and appreciate the proposed investment by the Co-op in Bridge of Allan, as well as all that they have done for the community to date.
“My hope is that in the New Year the Co-op and Stirling Council will meet with the community council so that there can be a full and frank discussion about this proposal.”
At a meeting of the community council last month, worries surfaced about the suitability of building materials proposed for the new store, the loss of mature trees and a reduction in car parking spaces.
The existing entry from Fountain Road and exit by Keir Street would be infilled and a combined entry and exit point created in Fountain Road at a location currently used for clothing recycling bins. Mature trees bordering the site on Fountain Road and Keir Street would also be felled.
Concerns have also been raised over the impact on the setting of Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
Submissions by residents to Stirling Council planners have suggested the new store would be more suitable on or near its current position.
The community council has asked the council to seek an extension for submissions and, although stating it recognises and appreciated the proposed investment by the Co-op, is formally objecting to the proposal as it currently stands.
Loss of car parking is also being raised, with the current 70 spaces being reduced to 58.
A Co-op spokesperson told the Observer last month: “We are looking to upgrade the current store by relocating it into a brand new site less than 100 metres away. This proposal will safeguard the future of this much needed convenience store for future generations within an area of such outstanding beauty.”
