AN ACTIVE travel path will be converted into a caravan and glamping site, should planning proposals be approved by Clackmannanshire Council.

An application was submitted to the council’s Planning Department, requesting permission to construct a camping and overnight stay site.

Plans have been put forward to convert vacant land east of Station House in Menstrie into a camping site.

There would be space created for 10 caravan pitches and five glamping pods on the green space on Tullibody Road.

In addition, the plans also propose building a café on site and an office and toilet building. The plans have put forward reasons why the caravan and glamping site would boost the local economy.

The proposals state: “Envisions establishing diverse facilities to boost local tourism and provide significant community benefits.

“This includes caravan pitches, glamping pods, a café, an administrative office and essential facilities.

“These amenities are intended to attract tourists and enhance the local economy while providing valuable services for residents.

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“The development plan also includes establishing a bike hire and repair shop, an administrative office with accompanying toilet and showering facilities, and a café.

“These amenities are designed to provide services and enhance the user experience, particularly for the cycling community.

“The site’s proximity to the National Cycling Route, council core paths, and other cycling routes will be leveraged to maximise its appeal and utility.”

Glamping is a form of luxurious camping which involves sleeping in pods as opposed to tents as a part of regular camping.

It has grown in popularity in recent years, coming with amenities on site such as a shower and toilet.

The applications have already drawn some criticism, however, with two objections lodged by nearby residents.

Menstrie resident John Hutcheson made an objection to the plans due to the site being built around the walking and cycle path.

This path runs from Tullibody Road in Menstrie through to Alva, with Mr Hutcheson voicing concerns that the path will be lost.

He stated: “As a regular user of the core path that runs from Tullibody Road through the proposed site, I have concerns with regards the space available for the public to navigate the entrance safely along with motor vehicles and supply vans.

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“The core path is used by people on wheelchairs, electric disabled vehicles, people with prams, as well as cyclists and walkers of all ages.

“If safe core path access can be separated from the vehicle access, I would have no objection to the proposal.

“Indeed I recognise the potential benefits to the community and visitors.”

In addition, the owners of Station House, which sits directly next to the proposed site, have lodged their own objections to the plans.

They have voice concerns for the impact on the local environment and amenities, design and appearance, traffic and access, impact on light and overshadowing, conservation and heritage and ecological impacts.

Wendy Mitchell and Wilton Russell, owners of Station House, have commented that the project goes against the Scottish Planning Policy, which protects green belt space from being converted into anything other than agricultural development.

They also state: “This claim fails to appreciate the local owls and bats that habitat these trees, many of whom bear nests which would cause migration and elimination of these creatures from the area.

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“[the application] introduce the proposed plan of septic tanks. Not only do these provide a high risk of human-human transmitted infections, but will contribute to a decline in air pollution, to which the site will directly contribute notwithstanding.

“Moreover, the added noise pollution that would come from the proposal has failed to be acknowledged.

“Fails to acknowledge the negative side effects of tourism, including the harming of agriculture, the destruction of wildlife habitats, increased stress on wild animal, the worsening of climate change, soil erosion and the dramatic increase in pollution.”

The home owners also dispute that formal communication regarding the plans have been made towards them, despite the plans stating so throughout.