A NEW garden centre could be set to open in Menstrie if plans are given the go-ahead, creating somewhere in the region of 30 jobs.

Proposals for the site that formerly housed Glenochil Nursery are due come before Clackmannanshire Council's Planning Committee tomorrow (Thursday, January 25).

Caulders Garden Centres is hoping to establish an outlet with both indoor and outdoor sales areas, along with a coffee shop, parking and temporary manager's accommodation.

The development in the Wee County would see the independent family run group add to the five centres it already has in the central belt, including Kirkintilloch, Braidbar, Erskine, Cupar and Mugdock, near Milngavie.

Councillors will consider a report on the planning application during the meeting at Kilncraigs, which includes a recommendation to approve the plans subject to a number of conditions.

The document states: "It is considered that the proposed garden centre use would secure a suitable use for this vacant site which would complement the established character and visual amenity of the area.

"The existing area of woodland to the east of the site would be retained and managed by the applicant if the development proceeded.

"The proposed garden centre would generate significant local employment opportunities. The applicant has estimated 30 jobs would be created by the development.

"The development would also attract visitors to the area which would have a positive effect on tourism in Clackmannanshire."

The site in question is owned by the council, last used as a plant nursery with space for community growing, and will be sold if permission for the centre is granted.

It is made up of a rectangular space extending to 1.9 hectares located on the north side of the A91, found to the east of houses at Victoria Terrace.

Purchased along with this area would be mature woodland to the east, covering around 0.8 hectares, but there are currently no proposals to develop it.

The report elected members will consider addresses questions raised by local residents, such as how foul and surface water will be managed, impact on amenity and privacy, along with traffic and access.

Conditions would include the requirement to submit a landscaping plan for written approval before works commence, along with the need to remove the temporary manager's accommodation in 2023 unless otherwise approved.

The paper states: "The development would comprise the erection of a garden centre building on the western half of the site.

"This would include a mix of internal and external sales areas, with approximately half of the latter under canopy roofing.

"The building would include internal areas at either end, with a café located at the western end. The site would sell garden centre products, a gift shop and a café which would only be open when the garden centre is trading.

"The building would be finished with a mix of cladding and glazing and incorporate a multi pitched roof. The ridge height would be approximately six metres above ground level.

"Carparking would be formed to the east of the building next to the main entrance comprising 140 spaces and a service yard would be located on the west side of the building."