Stirling Council's Planning and Regulation Panel has given conditional approval for the construction of an algae manufacturing facility near Balfron.

Biotech company MiAlgae are seeking to install eight cylindrical tanks and associated shipping containers to help with the manufacturing of algae at Claylands Farm.

The process involves fermenting co-products from the whisky industry with micro algae to create a source of Omega-3, eliminating the reliance on wild-caught fish. The resulting Omega-3 paste will be used for pet food.

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The site will be accessed via the existing access into Claylands Farm from the B818.

Following a hearing at Tuesday's (24 January) meeting, in which objectors spoke, the application was approved subject to conditions stipulated by Panel to control the hours of operation and timing of traffic movement in addition to other standard conditions.

A total of 17 letters of objection were lodged about the application, with Killearn Community Council objecting and raising concerns over the increased industrialisation of the farm and increased traffic.

Balfron Community Council neither objected nor supported, but raised concerns around the siting of the development, conditions of the local road infrastructure and road safety.