Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority have approved plans for the construction of 88 new homes in Drymen including provision for affordable housing.

The development will bring a number of key benefits to the area including a significant increase in affordable housing, a doubling in size of the public car park, local path network improvements open space with children's play area and a £30,000 contribution from the developer to sustainable and active transport initiatives. The local primary school will also receive a financial contribution from the developer to fund an additional classroom.

Following engagement with the local community and feedback from the Community Council, a number of positive changes were made to the proposal including reducing the number of houses from 101 to 88 and improving the layout and landscaping.

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Ellen Morton, Chair of the National Park's Planning and Access Committee said: "Any planning application is always carefully considered against our Local Development Plan, balancing the need for development with community aspirations, the benefits of new development whilst ensuring the National Park's natural environment and heritage is safeguarded.

"The popularity of the National Park as a place to live, makes it one of the most expensive areas in Scotland to purchase a home. This development will deliver much needed high, quality housing with 50% being affordable, whilst still protecting and enhancing the unique qualities of the National Park.

"We worked closely with the local community to agree the vision for the area set out in the Local Development Plan so it's great to see that vision now becoming a reality."

The proposal will also deliver a new accessible public open space and an all-access pedestrian and cycle path which would link the National Cycle Route on Gartness Road to the public car park.

The site will be built to the east of the village on land bordered by the Old Military Road and by Gartness Road on the southern boundary. The development will see homes built in four phases, beginning this year and ending in 2025.The applicant was MacTaggart & Mickel Homes with 30 of the affordable homes being owned and managed by Rural Stirling Housing Association.

(MH/CM)