Stirling Council has agreed to adopt a revised planning policy for Housing in the Countryside. This follows a review of the existing policy bringing it into line with current Scottish Government Policy and Guidance.

The new policy means the Council will have a more relaxed approach when considering planning applications in the countryside for new homes in and adjacent to existing groups of buildings; in situations where renovations and replacement options occur; where new houses may support restoration of heritage features or remediation of brownfield land and where conversion and redevelopment of existing buildings may be augmented by redevelopment of associated brownfield land and property.

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Chair of Planning Panel Alasdair MacPherson said: "I'm pleased that with good cross party working we have a policy that is fit for purpose and fit for the 21st century. There has been extensive consultation on the draft and all political parties have fed into the process. This policy will go a long way to address the issues that arise when determining planning applications in the countryside as well as assisting in bringing forward affordable housing developments for our rural communities.

"There are also opportunities for building more sustainable housing moving to low carbon or zero carbon homes in the future. This isn't about opening up the countryside to developers though, we have strict controls and will require well designed homes that are appropriate to the nature, scale and locations of the surrounding area. More rural affordable housing is a needed and this policy will serve our rural communities well."

(CD/JM)