Controversial plans to build 250 homes on part of the Bannockburn battleground have been rejected.
The National Trust for Scotland objected to the development, claiming the new homes would have a “major damaging impact” on the historic setting.
Project leaders Hallam Land Management argued its plan would not have an adverse effect on the area and said it would even expand the existing Bannockburn Heritage Trail by introducing a new footpath network and interpretation boards.
They also pledged to carry out extensive archaeological investigations to further help with understanding the 1314 battle.
But the project has been killed off by Stirling Council, following a heated meeting of the planning and regulation panel.
Convenor Alasdair MacPherson said: “The unanimous rejection of these plans by councillors represents our recognition of the national importance of the historic Bannockburn battleground and this green belt area.
“The council fully agreed with planning officers that the proposals were completely inappropriate for such an important site in Stirling’s history and future.”
In its objection letter, a spokeswoman for the National Trust said: “This represents a further encroachment on the heritage site which has slowly been developed over the past 50 years.
“As well as changing the view from where Robert the Bruce and the Scots camped.
“The development is only metres upstream of the ford, one of the major crossing points that the English vanguard crossed on day one of the battle.”
She said this area was thought to be where the historic encounter between Bruce and English night Sir Henry De Bohun took place.
The trust also raised concerns about the housing leading to more flooding on the battlefield site.
