Developer plans bungalows and visitor centre on land at Pineapple folly

A developer planning to build a visitor centre for a local landmark alongside housing for older people now hopes to build nearly four times as many bungalows as originally proposed.
The Dunmore Pineapple folly cared for by National Trust for Scotland. It was a summerhouse built for the 4th Earl of Dunmore.  Picture Michael Gillen.The Dunmore Pineapple folly cared for by National Trust for Scotland. It was a summerhouse built for the 4th Earl of Dunmore.  Picture Michael Gillen.
The Dunmore Pineapple folly cared for by National Trust for Scotland. It was a summerhouse built for the 4th Earl of Dunmore.  Picture Michael Gillen.

Outline plans for the new centre at the Pineapple and 22 bungalows were supported locally and approved by councillors last June.

However, George Russell Construction now says it wants to build 82 houses on land close to the quirky landmark in Dunmore, near Airth.

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Its website says it has listened to positive feedback on the previous plans and increased the number of bungalows.

The company says there is a severe shortage of homes locally to suit people looking to downsize and its £18 million Hill of Airth development will help fill that need.

The visitor centre will not be part of the Pineapple itself, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland but has no visitor facilities.

The centre, with car and coach parking, is proposed for land between the A905 and the driveway to the Pineapple - a short walk from the much-photographed folly.

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The bungalows are planned for the west-facing side of the ridge which runs parallel to the A905, not visible from the road.

The developers say that the new homes will help to fund plans for a new roundabout junction and re-alignment of the B9124.

They also promise to create a cycle path linking the Pineapple and Dunmore with Airth.

Members of the public can visit the website to find out more and leave feedback.

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