Muckhart Local Place and Community Action Plan
Muckhart Community Council has successfully developed a comprehensive Local Place Plan and Community Action Plan, creating a roadmap for the next decade that reflects the aspirations and needs of this rural community.
Supported by a £5,000 grant from the Clackmannanshire sub-fund, the community was able to employ specialist consultants 'Place at the Table and Imagine If' to guide them through an intensive engagement process, resulting in a detailed plan that addresses everything from housing and transport to climate action and local facilities.
Like many small rural communities in Scotland, Muckhart faces multiple challenges. The plan seeks to balance growth with character preservation and to address transport challenges, including the recent loss of its local bus service. With an ageing population and limited local facilities, the community recognised the need for strategic planning to shape its future. The plan addresses five key areas for action:
- Climate
- Facilities
- Housing
- Public Spaces
- Moving Around
Community-Led Planning
Local Place Plans are community-led plans which set out proposals for development and use of land, usually in a particular community council area. They aim to increase community engagement and have allowed communities to have influence on future developments in their area.
Once completed, a Local Place Plan can be registered with the Local Authority, with Council’s taking into account the projects and priorities highlighted when considering wider regional development plans, including how assets and services can best serve the area.
In order to create a plan that was genuinely community-led while meeting the technical standards required to influence Clackmannanshire Council's Local Development Plan, Muckhart Community Council acknowledged its need for external expertise, as well as the important input from local voices. This has allowed the Community Council to combine the Local Place Plan with a Community Action Plan, identifying areas where community organisations can take action and creating an integrated vision for Muckhart through to 2035.
The engagement strategy was comprehensive. Every household received leaflets explaining the plan, with both paper and electronic surveys available. A well-attended launch event in March attracted over 50 residents, including all three local councillors. The online survey alone generated over 300 comments, with residents pinning specific locations on maps and sharing detailed feedback.
Throughout May, a steering group, made up to community councils and representatives from local organisations, held structured sessions on key topics including housing, climate action, and the potential launch of a new Development Trust. They also engaged with stakeholders such as Muckhart Primary School, Muckhart Golf Club, and the Japanese Garden at Cowden, to reach a variety of audiences.
A dedicated climate-ready workshop ensured sustainability was woven throughout the plan. The community explored how proposals could reduce carbon emissions and improve resilience, building on previous work including an award-winning natural flood protection project in the Glebe Field.
Local Impact
The final plan contains 24 projects and proposals organised under six themes linked to the Place Standard tool: Influence and a Sense of Control; Climate Adaptation; Facilities and Services; Housing; Street and Spaces; and Moving Around.
The engagement process identified clear priorities. Active travel routes connecting Muckhart to Dollar and beyond emerged as a major priority, along with community transport solutions to address the loss of the bus service. A potential playpark upgrade was identified as another high-impact area for development. With £25,000 in developer contributions already secured, and children's feedback sought on what play equipment they would most enjoy, matched funding is now being sought to take this project forward.
"By 2035, Muckhart will be a thriving, welcoming village that grows thoughtfully while preserving its heritage and natural beauty. We will be connected through safe travel, inclusive community services, and vibrant local businesses—where all generations belong."
Importantly, the process itself built community capacity. The project’s steering group developed skills in planning, consultation, and project management. Relationships were strengthened between the community council, local businesses, and landowners. Perhaps most significantly, residents now feel empowered to shape their community's future for the better.
Muckhart's Local Place and Community Action Plan project is a fantastic example of how the Clackmannanshire sub-fund is enabling the Hillfoots communities to address local needs and realise future ambitions. By combining professional expertise with grassroots engagement, the project has created not just a document but a shared vision that will guide decision-making for the next decade. The plan provides Muckhart with a framework for residents to work together with the Local Authority toward the thriving community they aspire to be.
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