Falkirk Council: Another hearing over plans for visitor centre at Airth Pineapple folly

The quirky landmark, near the village of Airth is one of the area’s most recogniseable attractions.

But the folly has never had a visitor centre and applicant George Russell Construction Ltd believes better facilities, including a cafe and toilets and improved parking, will be real asset to the area.

In order to fund the centre, however, there are also plans to build 82 bungalows as an enabling development, which the company also believes are needed locally.

Objectors, however, say the area that surrounds the Pineapple is a haven for wildlife and should be kept as they are to protect biodiversity.

There are also concerns about the impact of more housing on local schools and hospitals.

A pre-determination hearing looking at all of the issues will be livestreamed by Falkirk Council on Thursday.

The meeting will give another chance to those for and against the proposals to make their case to the councillors who will decide.

The unusual decision to hold a second hearing was made as so many members of Falkirk Council are new, following this year’s local government elections.

Previously, objectors to the scheme included the National Trust for Scotland, which owns the Pineapple and which has said it does not approve of the plans for the area. NTS has not yet commented on the proposals that will be presented to councillors on Thursday.

The hearing will also have more information for councillors that was requested at the last one held, including more details on the impact on local schools and health services.

No decisions will be made at the hearing and councillors will not be able to express an opinion either way until the council meets to take the final decision at a future date.

The meeting, on Thursday, September 1, at 6pm, will be livestreamed via the Council website at www.falkirk.gov.uk/live.