Care home demolition is rejected

Oct 31 2008 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

DEMOLITION plans for a former Callander care home have been rejected by the national park’s planning committee.

The controversial proposal by Benhar Developments Ltd for Caledonian House in Leny Road also involved replacing the building with a four-storey block of eight flats and car parking.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park planners had recommended refusal of the application, which was backed by committee members at a recent meeting.

Callander Community Council had objected to the application as had Historic Scotland and the Scottish Civic Trust.

The applicants had argued that replacing the house, which is in need of some repair, with a new building would free up more cash to provide a better living environment for potential users.

The committee, however, agreed with planners that the demolition was unjustified and that, even if it was, the new development would still be unsuitable in the Conservation Area.