A Planning Application to build a £33m office and leisure development at Pirnhall near Bannockburn has been given a cautious welcome by Stirling Council's Planning Panel.

The Planning Panel, Chaired by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, has agreed to continue the application to allow RJM Developments (Scotland) Ltd address several areas of concern highlighted by Panel Members following a visit to the site.

The plan to build 196,500 square feet of office buildings and 17,700 square feet of leisure facilities on land located between the M80, M9 and the Pirnhall motorway service station was brought before the Planning Panel due to the size of the proposed development.

Areas the Panel want the developer to reconsider include:

• The retention or incorporation of archaeological features as part of the landscaping; this includes the ha ha feature relating to the former Bannockburn House Estate and the remains of the old Roman Road.
• Energy production within the development and the use of sustainable materials and design.
• Concerns that the site is over developed with too many buildings.
• Enhanced landscaping.
• Additional on site parking.
• Securing local jobs and apprenticeships through Section 75 Agreement.
• Proposed phasing of the development.
• Details of the footbridge design and materials to blend with the landscape.

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Planning Panel Chair Alasdair MacPherson said: "This development is a most welcome investment in the local area especially in these difficult economic times. Having visited the site there are however several areas of concern on the proposals and although we don't want to delay the planning process, we must ensure that things are done right especially with a development of this size.

"During the assessment of the planning application, Council Officers uncovered two significant parts of local history within the proposed development site. There are the remnants of an old roman road and a ha-ha ditch (animal barrier). The ha-ha ditch formed part of nearby Bannockburn House estate grounds. The discoveries of these features are a very important part of Bannockburn’s heritage and we must do what can to preserve them."

Representatives from Transport Scotland, the Trunk Roads Authority, are being invited to speak to the Panel on the development to give their assessment of road traffic issues.

(GK/JM)