Stirling SNP MSP Bruce Crawford has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament, demanding that a new site be found for a recently approved smart meter mast to be erected in Strathyre.
The planning application was recently approved by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, despite being faced with strong objections from local people.
Mr Crawford’s motion, which has been signed by a number of MSP colleagues, calls on the applicant, Arqiva, to “seriously consider an alternative location.”
Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:
“Strathyre and its surrounding area benefits from outstanding natural beauty, and protecting this must always be taken into consideration when applications such as this are submitted.
“I am disappointed in the decision that has been reached on this planning application, although I respect the strict processes that are undertaken in order to do so.
“Therefore, I am calling on Arqiva to seriously consider an alternative location for this smart meter mast, and I am pleased that a number of MSP colleagues have backed my calls through this parliamentary motion.”
SNP Councillor Evelyn Tweed, who gave evidence on behalf of the community in objection to this application, added:
“Local people feel very strongly about the location of this mast, and the decision that has been taken will be a disappointment to them.
“I am pleased that Bruce Crawford has raised this in Parliament and that MSPs from across the country are backing calls for Arqiva to consider an alternative location.
“I hope that Arqiva take this call seriously and put what the community wants first.”
