WHAT remains of a former mill in Alva is to be demolished and turned into specialist housing for an increasingly ageing population.

While Clackmannanshire Council’s elected members were aware some townsfolks wished to save Glentana Mill, they felt that was outweighed by the benefits of the proposals.

As reported last week, the original complex was built in 1873 as the Dalmore Works, but only a single storey building remains.

Recently, Historic Environment Scotland deciding not to list the property on a number of occasions in the past years.

While council papers claimed there had been “no recent development interest for the site […] given its condition and significant cost implications”, a social media group called Save Glentana Mill was created in August.

The purpose of the group was to turn the former mill into a community venture.

A post from the day of inception said: “Let’s try to bring this beautiful building back to life, save it from demolition and allow the community to come together.”

The future of the building was discussed during a meeting at Kilncraigs last week, with councillors updated on the situation.

Cllr Martha Benny queries whether the adjacent car park for the Parklands Centre would remain accessible during any works, but officers were unable to answer during the meeting, promising a reply later.

Fellow Clacks North representative Cllr Donald Balsillie, proposing the paper, said the specialist housing, which would incorporate the latest technology to allow people to live at home independently for as long as possible, would be similar to what will be developed at Primrose Street in Alloa.

He acknowledged there were concerns in the community, for instance around car parking for events like the famous Alva Games or access to the Scout Hall.

However, he highlighted there is a pressing demand for housing of this nature and argued the site was close in proximity to all amenities. He added that sites such as Glentana are “very rare indeed”.

Cllr Dave Clark echoed the concerns raised and said he was of the understanding a senior council officer already gave assurances to locals over access to the car park.

He also said the development would benefit the Clacks and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership by boosting social care in the area.

Also a local resident, Mr Clark added the development “hits all the buttons”, but appealed for the council to switch car park and street lighting back on as these have been off since the last tenant moved out of the building.

And Cllr Helen Lewis, also representing the North Ward, argued that while she totally understood why people wanted to save the property, the benefits outweighed those submissions.

She then appealed to people to “look forward” into the future.

Cllr Benny suggested a commemorate plaque within the new development could mark the site’s manufacturing past while Cllr Les Sharp stated that incorporating parts of the old building in some way would be fitting.

All councillors agreed to move forward with the demolition and redevelopment.