The decision was reached despite the Scottish Government planning reporter who considered the appeal saying some issues of concern raised by objectors were not enough grounds to refuse the application. The application had attracted 55 letters of comment, including from the Woodland Trust, and a Stop Hillside Houses Facebook group which was joined by almost 500 people.

Developers Arnbathie Developments and Dandara had appealed through the Scottish Government's planning appeals system against Stirling Council’s non-determination of their application. However, the appeal reporter decided any approval of the application would be premature given the council's 2016 Local Development Plan was currently the subject of an appeal. In his decision, appeals reporter Mike Croft said: "The project's contribution to housing supply at a time when that supply is clearly deficient weighs in its favour, but that benefit has to be seen against the loss of a greenfield site and the project's less than satisfactory public transport implications.

"Those points call into question its sustainability issues. The project is, in my view, premature in relation to the local development plan process, and the examination into the 2016 plan is well placed to take account of the need for more housing land and the extent to which Dunblane ought to expand on its south-eastern side, if at all." Mr Croft said the "internal components" of the project did not justify its rejection nor did concerns raised about infrastructure, such as education and health provision locally, and that the site was "readily available for development" and located in the 2014 Local Development Plan's core area. He added: "With a shortfall in the five-year effective housing land supply, they are important points in the project's favour. But in pure development plan terms, they are outweighed by the site's Green Belt location and the less than satisfactory public transport implications of the appeal project."

The Woodland Trust, which said this week it was "delighted" the appeal had been rejected, effectively safeguarding the woodland meantime, had objected strongly to the project claiming it would damage ancient woodland designated on Scottish Natural Heritage's Ancient Woodland Inventory as long- established woodland of plantation origin. However, Mr Croft said: I am not satisfied, however, that the project's inclusion of housing on what is now a dense, dark conifer plantation is in itself harmful. "Although it goes on to criticise the project for the absence of significant compensatory planting, it would be sufficient in my view, given the considerable extent of deciduous woodland that would remain within the appeal site, for a condition to be imposed on a permission to control its management and maintenance. Mr Croft also dismissed some objections from locals about overlooking of their houses after inspecting the site.

Dunblane businesses have been recognised for their hard work in brightening up the town. Sandy Mackay and Carolyn Murray, on behalf of local group Dunblane in Bloom, presented prizes to the Beech Tree Cafe, MacLean and Stewart Solicitors and Hairways. All three businesses were handed Mike Seal Trophies as reward for the stunning displays of colour on their shop fronts. The Beech Tree Cafe won Best Shop Front Display while the Most Improved Business Frontage trophy went to MacLean and Stewart. Hairways won the Best Hanging Basket trophy. Mr Mackay paid tribute to the hard work and creativity of all the businesses. He said:"Every year the businesses on the High Street do their bit to add to the work of Dunblane in Bloom to improve how our town looks. "I was very impressed by all the entries this year and I congratulate the winners for their hard work and commitment in making the most of their shop fronts. "I'm very grateful to George Haddock for acting as our photographer again this year."   Dunblane in Bloom have been working to improve the appearance of the town and surrounding areas. The projects involve planting beds at Smithy Loan and creating a rock garden and community garden by the Faerie Bridge.

The article from the Stirling Observer 230817

Dunblane Boys Brigade is on the lookout for new members to help celebrate its big birthday.

It is a great year to get involved in the Boys’ Brigade as the organisation celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Junior Section. With lots of special events to mark the occasion, there’s never been a better year to join and at Dunblane BB, they’re keen to recruit more P4 and P5 boys in to the Junior Section as the year gets under way.

They meet on Friday nights from 6.15-7.45pm at the Cathedral Hall, with a structured, fun-filled programme of games, badge work activities, music, cooking, crafts and technology, science experiments, outdoor skills and lots more, as well as an annual weekend away and other trips and visits.

Meanwhile, our younger section, Anchor Boys (P1-P3, minimum age 5) meets each Wednesday 6.15-7.15pm (commencing 6th September) and gives boys the chance to make new friends, enjoy games, music, drama, take-home crafts, bible stories and lots more.

Company Section is for boys in P7-S6 and meets on both Friday (7.45-10pm) and Sunday (7.30-9.00pm) with many opportunities for learning life skills, first aid, serving the community, gaining awards and leadership roles, being in the outdoors, becoming a musician and even earning Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Enrolment for all sections will take place on a drop-in basis between 6pm and 8pm this Friday, 25th August at the Cathedral Halls, Dunblane (next to the Cathedral) and registration forms are available on the website at www.dunblanebb.org.uk. You are encouraged to get in touch in advance to check on availability of places: please call 01786 821387 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that there is currently a waiting list for P6. Find out more about us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @dunblanebb.