This week Miller Homes that the 68-hectare site, which is one of the last remaining open views around the castle, presents an “exciting opportunity” for future development.

However, the firm added that feedback from the public will help shape the detail of any forthcoming formal planning application for the land located south of Castleview Park and Ride on Millennium Way.

Miller Homes has submitted a PAN (Proposal of Application Notice) to Stirling Council planners for the location, including a site plan which outlines a 67.9 hectare area — the equivalent of more than 80 football pitches — from the Park and Ride down to the edge of the Raploch Road route and across open land below the castle looking towards west Stirlingshire.

A section of field on Raploch Road is not included in the plan. The wider site border stretches to the motorway near Craigforth and to the edge of Falleninch Cottage, The Stirling Observer reports.

The PAN describes a “residential led mixed use development including potential ancillary neighbourhood faciities (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, sui generis)” and associated landscaping and infrastructure.

Under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997 Class 1 includes shops; Class 2 financial, professional and other services; Class 3 food and drink; and Class 4 business.

A spokesperson for Miller Homes, said: “Miller Homes has recently submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) ahead of a possible planning application for a proposed residential led development at Falleninch, Stirling.

“This is an attractive location that presents an exciting opportunity to create new sustainable housing that would effectively help address some of the current housing shortfall faced by Stirling Council.

“The proposed development offers excellent transport links and would be well placed to benefit from the nearby Park & Ride transfer to the town centre, as well as employment opportunities in the immediate vicinity of the site and the wider Forth Valley area.”

They added: “The final scale and form of development including the number, mix and type of houses has not yet been established and will be informed by public consultation, as well as the outcome of various technical assessments which are underway.

“We appreciate our application will generate interest from people living close to the proposal, as well as the wider community and encourage individuals to get involved in our public engagement events so that we can use their feedback to help shape our proposals before any application is made.”