Backing from planners

Stirling Council planners are recommending approval of the link road.

They say it has been part of the authority’s local transport strategy since 2006 to give more choice for motorists and relieve traffic congestion.

Other aims include enhancing tourist and retail usage in the city, increase accessibility for all road users, improving air quality/reducing noise levels, and enabling development of the wider Viewforth area.

In a report due before Tuesday’s panel, planners add:“This road is to be part of a network of high quality cycling and walking infrastructure in the city centre to improve accessibility, connectivity and permeability.

“It is acknowledged there is substantial tree loss within the Conservation Area, however, in considering the quality of the trees, the health of the most visible trees to be removed and the contained nature of the site in the Conservation Area, it is considered that removal will have a contained local impact which will not significantly impact on the wider Conservation Area.” They add that new planting in Kings Park could offset local impact.

“The roads authority has commissioned independent advice. The consultants’conclusions highlight the interdependency of the Viewforth Link Road with the wider transportation improvements and the wider benefits this will provide.

“The construction of this road will complete Stirling’s strategic road network, enabling traffic reductions on Dumbarton Road and Port Street, improving pedestrian priority and reducing visual dominance of vehicles as well as noise and air pollution.”