More than 50 jobs could be heading to Dunblane if garden centre plans that include proposals for new affordable and retirement housing get the go ahead.
The Kippendavie Group Trust (KGT) and Stockbridge Nursery have submitted an application for planning permission in principle to Stirling Council for a mixed use development on land to the east of Dunblane.
The application is in two main parts – the first called Sheriffmuir Park Centre to be located to the east of Queen Victoria School.
It is to comprise a group of new timber and stone barns to form a garden centre, heritage park trail centre, four office and craft workshops and car parking.
Sheriffmuir Park Housing will feature 165 residential units at Kippendavie Mains behind Kellie Wynd, including affordable housing, housing for retirees and plots for self-build and community building sites.
KGT’s Roderick MacLeod said the plans were a step on from what had previously been considered.
“The planning application responds positively to the main points raised at our successful pre-application consultation in May, specifically in relation to education, drainage and traffic,” he said.
“It also expands on the interest shown in the affordable and self-build housing elements, together with the potential delivery of retirement properties.
“The application is being progressed at this stage as a result of delays to the Stirling Local Development Plan.
“We plan to bring forward the proposed housing allocation at Kippendavie Mains at an earlier stage, in order to meet Stirling Council’s housing targets in an area where we believe there is a strong market requirement.
“Our plans are therefore realistic and immediately deliverable.”
The proposals will also allow the existing Stockbridge Nursery to expand to new premises.
They say expansion will create more than 50 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
The garden centre will be at the heart of a further key stage of the proposals, the Sheriffmuir Heritage Trails, comprising an extensive network of new and improved local walking and cycling trails, leading to the Sheriffmuir battlefield and other historic landmarks.
KGT and Stockbridge say plans for this element will be submitted later this year, after additional public consultation and the completion of a design study which is currently out to tender.
The Heritage Trails will be funded in part by the housing element of the proposals with a target date of June next year for having key sections of the trail network in place and the remainder then in place by 2015 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Sheriffmuir.
