A familiar local landmark is set for a major transformation! The site of the former Strathendrick Care Home in Balfron, once a hub for rural care, is now slated for a new purpose. What does this significant housing development mean for the community, and how will it impact the future of the area?
The long-vacant site of the former Strathendrick Care Home in Balfron is poised for a significant transformation, with Stirling Council recently submitting plans to demolish the existing structure and erect six new affordable housing units. This pivotal housing development marks a new chapter for a site that has seen years of local speculation and debate over its future utility.
Strathendrick Care Home initially ceased operations in 2021, declared surplus to requirements by the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board. This closure was part of a broader re-evaluation and reshaping of rural care provisions, signifying a strategic shift in how local health and social care services were to be delivered.
While the 12-bed facility later served primarily as a respite centre, its initial design did not anticipate this purpose. In its final years, the care home often operated with minimal occupancy, at one point housing only a single full-time resident, further highlighting the changing demand for such specialized care.
The current proposal put forth by Stirling Council aims to address the critical need for social rent properties within the area. The plans detail a mix of two two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units, designed to cater to a diverse range of occupancy needs within the community, reinforcing the commitment to local social housing Scotland.
Documents supporting the application emphasize accessible design, confirming that both vehicle and pedestrian access to the site will utilize the established George Terrace and Lomond Terrace. Agents also highlighted the substantial waiting lists for affordable housing across Scotland, underscoring how these six units will provide much-needed accommodation in this specific locale.
The site’s journey to this housing development has not been without its twists. In 2021, the decision to close Strathendrick Care Home sparked local debate, with the then-adult social care panel chair defending the consultation process amidst concerns. Despite initial efforts to avert closure for a local care hub, the IJB ultimately determined that residential care could be provided more effectively through alternative means.
The Balfron Local Plan 2025-2035 had previously envisioned the site’s redevelopment into modern sheltered housing or flats for elderly residents. However, the Housing Service’s strong interest in developing new council housing, specifically six new homes, eventually took precedence, aligning with the broader strategy for care home redevelopment. The plan supports this, provided ample on-site car parking is included to alleviate pressure on local street parking.
