Stirling Council’s planning committee recommended approval of the proposals on October 6, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a Section 75 agreement.

The plans, which will significantly transform the derelict site, include the delivery of 89 new homes of varying types to meet local demand.

Among the designs are three new bespoke house types developed especially for the site, including bungalows that will enable downsizers to remain in the local area and three-bedroomed terraced and semi-detached homes which will support young families. Stylish and substantial four and five-bedroomed detached homes would also be provided for growing families.

The proposals incorporate plentiful green space including a new village green and a children’s play area. A new foot and cycle path is proposed to connect the site to the village and a bus stop earmarked for the front of the development would transport children to Balfron High School.

Job prospects could also be boosted by future commercial development at the site. As part of the application there is also an outline proposal for an area of mixed-use development including a care home, commercial buildings and retail units. A further detailed application will be lodged for this in the future once key infrastructure to deliver the proposals are in place.

Andrew Duncan, land director at CALA Homes (West), said: “We’re delighted to have received such a positive response from Stirling Council’s planning committee, and we look forward to progressing our plans in partnership with its officials.

“The former Killearn Hospital has long been considered a local eyesore and our commitment to fully remediating the site will return the land into an attractive, high quality community.

“Offering beautiful homes and well-designed spaces that complement the area’s distinctive rural character, we’re confident of delivering a wonderful new neighbourhood that will meet local demand for housing and in time could help to create important new jobs.

“We’d like to thank the local community for its support, especially Killearn Community Council with whom we’ve worked closely for many months to advance our exciting plans.”