The proposals sought planning permission for a 150-space car park; two buildings that will house a 128-seat café, visitor centre and 40-seat restaurant with event space; and a network of paths, bridges and viewing platforms at Finnich Glen.
The proposal was considered at a Special Council Meeting as the application was classed as a major development and was significantly contrary to the Local Development Plan.
Under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, planning applications of this nature must be decided by full Council, following a Pre-Determination Hearing.
A meeting of the Pre-Determination Hearing Committee took place at 1pm on Tuesday October 6th to hear the application, chaired by Planning and Regulation Panel Chair, Councillor Alasdair MacPherson.
Thereafter, a Special Meeting of Stirling Council was convened at 2.45pm time to decide the application, chaired by Council Depute Convener, Councillor Graham Houston.
Elected members considered all of the relevant information before reaching a decision to unanimously approve the application, citing that the development would deliver significant improvements to road and visitor safety, help protect the environment of Finnich Glen, and bring clear tourism and economic benefits to Stirling and the wider area.
A recording of the meeting is available to view on the Stirling Council YouTube page.