A popular Strathblane restaurant could find out next week whether its attempts to gain permission for a food kiosk already sited in its car park have been successful.
A retrospective application was lodged by David Cowan of the Kirkhouse Inn after a previous proposal to allow hot food to be sold from the kiosk - known as The Wee Kirk - was rejected amid 12 objections from neighbours and the local community council as well as five letters of support.
The refusal was based on grounds of adverse impact upon amenity to immediate residential properties, due to the strength and frequency of the cooking odours, which could not be mitigated through technical solutions.
Objectors had complained about a number of issues including smells - especially from fish frying - rubbish, volume of people and vehicles, and noise.
Some neighbours described the smell as “pungent” saying they could no longer hang out their washing or open their windows.
Supporters, however, felt concerns about odour were “overstated” as were those on traffic and queues, and that efforts had been made to minimise any smells. They also said the snack van was a positive addition to the village, providing a source of employment, and enjoyment for the residents.
The latest application for the kiosk, which is not currently operational, is set to come before Stirling Council’s planning panel on Tuesday, with a recommendation of approval from planning officials subject to conditions including restricted operating hours from 9am to 9pm and provision of a litter bin.
This time round Strathblane Community Council is backing the bid given it is for cold food and hot drinks only, despite seven objections being lodged. Two letters of support have also been submitted from individuals.
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In their report due before Tuesday’s panel, Stirling Council planners said: “Conditions, as advised by Environmental Health, take into account neighbours’ residential amenity and are included in the recommendation – these are that no hot food is prepared or sold from the van; no operation of the van before 9am and after 9pm; no seating in the car park and around the van; and no noisy plant or equipment.
“As the proposal is for a temporary food outlet and is not a permanent development, to be consistent with decisions on other locations for food outlets, a period of temporary planning permission is considered to be appropriate – the recommendation is for a two year period of consent. This will allow the Kirkhouse Inn to review the use of the premises and car park when fully operational following the impact on capacity during Covid 19 restrictions and the council to assess the impact of this planning permission.”
