Allanwater Homes submitted a planning application for 46 homes on a site off Blairforkie Drive back in 2022.

Around 300 objections were lodged with planners including from Bridge of Allan community councils who have expressed concern about the development’s potential environmental impact as well as increased road traffic and pressures on infrastructure.

But Allanwater Homes lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) on the failure of Stirling Council to determine planning permission.

In its submission to the DPEA, Geddes Consulting argued that planning permission should be granted, pointing to Local Development Plan (LDP) policies and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

The DPEA reporter, however, has now dismissed the appeal and refused planning permission.

Principal reporter David Buylla said: “While I find the proposal satisfies some requirements of the development plan, the principle of development is not supported by that plan and, overall, I find the proposal to be contrary to the development plan.

“The proposal would contribute to the local and national economy and would deliver much needed affordable housing in a location that is within a 10 minute walk of the town centre. It would also assist in addressing the housing emergency. These are positive considerations to weigh against the development plan conflict.”

However, he added: “The harm the proposal would cause to the amenity of users of the adjacent core path is, in contrast, a negative material consideration.

“Having regard to all of the evidence that has been put before me, I find that the clear conflict with the development plan is not outweighed by other material considerations. Consequently, there are no grounds to permit this appeal.”

An Allanwater Homes spokesperson told Scottish Housing News: “Having lodged our appeal with DPEA regarding our proposed housing development at Blairforkie, Bridge of Allan, we are very disappointed at its outcome. Our plans for the land would have brought much needed new family & affordable housing to the area.”