Filed by WSP, the proposal is for a new link road through the council’s existing Viewforth site, which houses the authority’s headquarters. The new road, known as the Viewforth Link Road, will run between the St Ninians Road junction with Snowdon Place and the Linden Avenue roundabout.

The link road will complete the council’s long held ambition to create an inner city ring road and reduce unnecessary traffic in the city centre, with an increase in the capacity for walking and cycling also forming a key part of the scheme.

It is the first step in a wide ranging programme of improvements south of the city centre, outlined to members and the public in November via a series of public engagement sessions as Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling - City Centre South.

The Viewforth Link Road is seen as essential to enable the removal and redistribution of traffic from the city centre and residential streets. High quality walking and cycling facilities will be created at the side of the link road, alongside handrails and resting places.

The creation of the link road would also pave the way for future developments to go ahead in surrounding areas that would bring wider benefits to the neighbourhoods.

Councillor Jim Thomson, convenor of the environment and housing committee, said: “This is the first step of an exciting package of measures to make the city centre and the neighbourhoods to the south of it, places for people, as well as traffic.

“The new link road includes much better provision for walking, cycling and seating, which will form part of the overall landscaping.”

Vice convenor, Cllr Danny Gibson, added: “The concept behind these proposals is ‘placemaking’ and this involves good design to promote a better quality of living for everyone.

“Walking and cycling play a big part and will be made possible here by the decrease in traffic in the city centre and neighbouring areas brought about by a new link road through the Viewforth site.”