I write regarding a planning application currently lodged with Clackmannanshire Council. It relates to a house on the north perimeter of Menstrie, at 49 Ochil Rd, and notice has been given to neighbours of the development in advance of a full planning assessment.
This house is directly beside the west side of the path as you cross the access stile to reach the track which runs up Myreton Hill. The house was purchased by Mr McLaren, a local farmer, approximately two years ago and it is commonly believed this was with the intention of building a house or houses to the west of the existing building. I have seen the farmer pacing the ground with another individual, and they appeared to be discussing house layouts and foundations.
The issue is not with the proposed development of the house or even the ground as originally bounded by the property of 49 Ochil Rd - this is within the build zone of the village. However, the field (also owned by Mr McLaren) enclosed by 49 Ochil Rd has now been included within the plot, technically converting it to potential building ground and increasing the encroachment of the village on to the Ochil hills. The field is currently outside the build zone and is designated agricultural land. The current land use is for sheep during various stages of the lambing season and when required for segregation. It is located under a cliff area to the north of Menstrie.
There can be no reason to incorporate this ground into the plot of 49 Ochil Rd other than as a step towards building at a future stage, as the area of ground would be completely out of proportion with the main house as a potential garden. My concerns are:
I recognise the farmer's title to make the best use of the land in his charge, but this should be done in association with all parties and not by stealth. I submitted an objection to Clackmannanshire Council and received a reply stating that the application as submitted was incomplete and had to be resubmitted. The council is keeping objections on record and these will be used once the application is received in full.
To be fair to the McLaren brothers (who farm the land), they have not in my experience set out to exclude any walkers from the hills, and the "development" does not encroach on the existing footpath and stile area. The main farmland incorporated into the plan is to the west of the building beside the path between the house and Menstrie Burn. However, this is currently open farmland - walkers do occasionally come through this way but the majority bypass it.
My main objection to the application is the conversion of greenbelt land, currently outside the build zone, into an area of garden. This appears to me to be a step towards further change of use as building ground.
Ed. - Clacks council duly received a full application, and has confirmed that the field forms part of a separate plot from the house and garden. It must remain as agricultural land, and can't be built on. So: a result. It's good to see that the council is on the ball.