The IGM Dalgleish (1991) Trust, which owns the land, is currently holding an online public consultation exercise on its plans for the woodland which is bordered by Kippendavie Road, Menteith View and Ochiltree. Previously submitted plans by the Trust for homes on the site were refused by Stirling Council.

Three options have been prepared, all of which propose vehicular access to serve the development to be taken directly from Kippendavie Road. A junction will be formed at the most optimal point for serving the number of houses proposed and will be subject to further discussions and agreement with Stirling Council road officials when detailed plans are prepared.

An IGM Dalgleish (1991) Trust spokesperson said: “We are presenting a range of options for a small-scale development on the site which could provide much-needed elderly, senior and retirement living housing in Dunblane.

“Our proposals have been developed to preserve as much of the native woodland as possible to help encourage biodiversity and breathe new life into the woods.

“Over the years, the wooded area has degraded significantly to become inaccessible, unsafe and unwelcoming, with no formal management allowing invasive tree and plant species to lower the biodiversity and amenity value of the area.

“A small-scale housing development could ensure the retention of larger mature tree specimens to enhance the visual quality of the area as well as creating an accessible sense of place and identity.

“It would also improve drainage and management of the site and link the area to surrounding areas by the creation of new footpath links.”

Previous planning applications for the site have included 20 flats (submitted in the early 2000s and later withdrawn) and an IGM Dalgleish (1991) Trust proposal in 2014 for urban woodland and regeneration including four homes (refused by Stirling Council the following year as it was considered contrary to the Stirling Local Development Plan).

A further scheme for urban woodland and regeneration with four homes, submitted by the Trust in 2016, went to appeal after Stirling Council turned it down on similar grounds.

The online consultation will run until June 11.