Plans for a new Bridge of Allan Co-op store have been unanimously approved by Stirling Council’s planning panel.
The retailer is to demolish the existing building on the corner site of Keir Street and Fountain Road, and replace it with a new two-storey one, flush with neighbouring Fountain Road buildings.
Panel members conditionally agreed the bid at an online meeting last Thursday.
Co-op spokesperson David Campbell told the panel the new store would be “light, bright and accessible for everyone” as well as providing more choice.
He added: “The existing store is no longer fit for purpose, needs constant maintenance and doesn’t meet modern requirements.”
Bridge of Allan Community Council expressed support for the scheme.
However, the proposal received 12 objections citing issues such as residential amenity, including one from neighbour Neil Morrow, who spoke of his concerns over how the project could impact on his property.
“We have lived in the area for 30 years,” said Mr Morrow. “We have a wall joined to the Co-op by 100 feet and this will become the boundary wall of the car park.
“Also, if the car park is higher than our house floor then our house will suffer from damp. The Co-op have been unable to say what the final level of the car park will be.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Graham Houston said: “I do consider the Co-op to be socially conscious in our experience and I am reassured by that. It would seem inherently unfair, however, that the council can gain and the town can gain a new store, yet we have a resident who is living with uncertainty and the only recourse seems to be telling them to get a lawyer.
“Every year that car park floods. We know that. I would hope the applicant hears what’s said and engages with Mr Morrow, who is clearly concerned.”
Councillor Jim Thomson said he was unhappy with the siting of disabled spaces, pointing out some were some distance from the store entrance and require the drivers to cross the path of vehicles.
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However, roads officials said they had reviewed parking and were satisfied it met with standards and policies.
Local councillor Douglas Dodds also sought assurances over vehicle and road safety, particularly during construction of the new store.
The panel unanimously approved the application, adding a condition that details of ground levels would be clarified. Planners said an advisory note that the applicant should engage with adjoining neighbours to ascertain the condition of the wall could also be attached.
Council planners reported that 30 of the 75 spaces will be ‘in direct control of the intended user’ and the remaining car parking will be operated by Stirling Council.
