Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Planning Committee has approved plans to build a 348KW hydro scheme.

The development was submitted by Callander Community Hydro Ltd, a subsidiary of Callander Community Development Trust. The hydro scheme will run from Stank Burn, approximately 5km North West of Callander. Stank Burn flows into Loch Lubnaig and once complete the hydro scheme will provide enough energy for 300 average homes.

Speaking about the application, National Park Planning Committee Chair, Owen McKee, said: "I am delighted that this community project chimes so successfully with the National Park Authority's vision to harness the natural resources of the Park in the fight to combat climate change. It may be the first community hydro scheme within the Park but I am sure that it will not be the last. I would also like to congratulate Callander Community Trust for working so hard with the National Park staff to ensure that there will be no lasting adverse impacts.

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"By setting 28 conditions, we are confident that the development will have no adverse effect on the River Teith Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or to the landscape or the ecology of the local area."

Construction of the hydro scheme is likely to take 9 months. One of the conditions stipulates that it should not take longer than 24 months.

(CD)