A proposed 44 home residential development and community hub in Dunblane has been rejected by Stirling Council's Planning and Regulation Panel.

The Kippendavie Group Trust had sought permission in principle to develop land to the east of Kellie Wynd.

At a meeting of the Panel this week, members refused the application on the grounds the proposal was contrary to several policies of the national planning framework (NPF4).

These include:

• The site has been identified in the Local Development Plan as culturally and locally important, with a Green Belt and a Historic Battlefield (Sheriffmuir) designation.

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• The development is not of a type listed in the permissible circumstances where it may be supported.

• Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate the historic battlefield at Sheriffmuir will be protected and its cultural significance enhanced.

• The proposal is not one of the 'limited categories' in which development of new homes on land not allocated for housing in the Local Development Plan would be supported.

• The proposal fails to incorporate accessible open space of appropriate quantity and quality to meet the needs arising from the development.

Dunblane Community Council noted 'significant' local objection to the plans and also expressed concerns over an increase in car usage and traffic, pressure on local services and a lack of conformity with the Local Development Plan.

In total, 118 letters of comment were submitted about the application on a wide range of issues. These included concerns over a 'lack of community engagement' by the developer, the potential impact on local wildlife and the impact on residents of Kellie Wynd.