A rape crisis centre in Stirling has been approved despite objections claiming young children would be exposed to the activities of the service.

Stirling Council approved the Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre to use the former offices in a mid-terrace property on Millar Place as a counselling services for the victims of sexual violence.

Issues raised by nine objectors included a "dislike of the view" because of opaque film on the windows and concern about the "safeguards against future inappropriate uses".

People also complained the rape support centre would impact on "visual amenity" and have an impact on house prices.

Concerns about children being exposed to the centre's activities via the shared garden access were dismissed by officers, who said the support services would take place inside the building.

Planning officers said the applicants sought to relocate in a residential area to protect the vulnerable users of the service.

In a report they also said: "The applicant provides one-to-one support to anyone over the age of 13 who has experienced sexual violence.

"The service also extends to their family, friends and partners and covers the Forth Valley area. The service is provided on an outreach basis.

"The applicant envisages that there will be a maximum of six users visiting the service per day and that these will be by appointment.

"It is anticipated that there may be two users accessing the service at any one time with two support workers on the premises."

As well as objectors, some residents supported the plans.

One woman said: "Victims will be in a vulnerable state and need a comforting, familiar and discreet environment that is conducive to feeling safe and where they can be anonymous if need be, not an industrial estate or busy town centre."

The plan was approved by the council's planning committee on Tuesday with the restriction it can operate between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.