Bell Ingram’s Finnich Glen visitor centre vision wins planning approval from council
Farmers David and Carole Young have warmly welcomed the decision by members of Stirling Council’s Planning Panel to unanimously approve their planning application for Finnich Glen today (Tuesday 6th October).
Along with a visitor centre, the development will comprise a 150-space car park and a network of paths, bridges and viewing platforms at the Devil’s Pulpit beauty spot.
Architects and planning consultants Bell Ingram Design lodged the application for the 10.9 hectare site in West Stirlingshire on behalf of the couple last September.
David Young says:
“Carole and I are both delighted and relieved by today’s decision and want to thank the councillors for supporting our vision to create a destination of national and international importance at Finnich Glen.
“The Finnich Glen visitor centre development will allow visitors to access the Glen safely and safeguard this stunning environment for future generations to enjoy.
“In the longer term we hope to create a sustainable business and generate rural jobs, something that’s never been more important as our economy struggles to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Iain Cram, Director of Bell Ingram Design, says:
“I want to thank Stirling Council, and specifically the three ward councillors Graham Lambie, Robert Davies and Alistair Berrill, for having faith in this proposal and unanimously supporting our plans to resolve the serious safety issues both on the roads and in the Glen itself.
“From the beginning we have engaged with the local community and key stakeholders, and we firmly believe our proposals will enhance this stunning place. We have made every effort to ensure that the design of the proposed visitor centre blends into the landscape and isn’t visible from the road. The revenue it will generate will allow us to deliver the free parking and toilet facilities that are expected in any modern visitor attraction.”
Despite over 70,000 people visiting Finnich Glen each year, there is currently no safe access, parking or even basic toilet facilities at the site.
David Young continues: “Recent events have highlighted the scale of the safety issue after thousands of people descended on the site after lockdown eased, forcing Stirling Council to close the Glen and enforce parking restrictions.”
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Iain Cram
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About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.
Article posted on 06/10/2020