Architects and planning consultants Bell Ingram Design lodged the application for the 10.9-hectare site – made famous by TV series Outlander – on behalf of landowner and farmer David Young.

The proposals sought permission for a 150-space car park; two buildings that will house a 128-seat café, visitor centre and 40-seat restaurant with event space; and a network of paths, bridges and viewing platforms at Finnich Glen.

It is estimated that more than 70,000 people visit Finnich Glen each year, putting themselves at risk by descending 100 feet into the gorge on a 200-year-old stone stairway, as well as trampling fences, leaving litter, and damaging the plant life.

The proposals will remove the need to abandon cars on country roads, while a network of footpaths, bridges and viewing platforms will improve the overall experience while reducing environmental damage.

Iain Cram, director of Bell Ingram Design, said: “Our brief was to create a visitor experience that would allow people to get in and out safely with the minimum of fuss and the least possible amount of damage to the environment.

“With upwards of 70,000 people now visiting Finnich Glen each year – a number that looks likely increase – parking has always been a top priority, and our plans centre around the creation of a 150-space car park which will eliminate the danger caused by people abandoning their cars along the grass verges.”

The proposal was considered at a special council meeting as the application was classed as a major development and was significantly contrary to the Local Development Plan.

Under the council’s scheme of delegation, planning applications of this nature must be decided by full council, following a pre-determination hearing.

Elected members considered all of the relevant information before reaching a decision to unanimously approve the application, citing that the development would deliver significant improvements to road and visitor safety, help protect the environment of Finnich Glen, and bring clear tourism and economic benefits to Stirling and the wider area.