A MAJOR housing development proposed for Coalsnaughton and Devonside will be recommended for approval in principle tomorrow, despite objections.
Proposals for the 11.9 hectare residential development extending between Wardlaw Street in the south to Alexandra Street in the north by applicants The Kudos Partnership will be debated at the September 8 meeting of Clackmannanshire Council's Planning Committee.
The area has an indicative capacity for 240 homes and the development could potentially add an annexe to Coalsnaughton PS along with other associated works.
The applicants are seeking planning permission in principle (PPP) for an “attractive and accessible residential development of circa 247 new homes, set within a development led by the highest standards of design”.
Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council submitted a detailed response objecting to certain elements of the proposals, councillors will hear on the day.
The community council raised concerns that the notional site layout does not constitute a masterplan, but council papers said an initial design analysis appropriate with the PPP status of the application has been undertaken and that a full masterplan will be required if PPP is granted.
Chief among the concerns was the siting of the school annexe with many expressing a preference for an entirely new school.
Council papers said: “The existing school site cannot accommodate the additional teaching space required and there are no plans in the council’s capital programme to provide a wholly new school in Coalsnaughton.
“The land proposed in the application for additional education facilities (school annexe), approximately 130m west of the school along Blackfaulds Street provides a workable solution for the school to function.”
Other concerns included traffic issues around Blackfaulds Street, objections to housing built on part of the public park and the impact on biodiversity with council papers in turn addressing each point.
A further 10 objections have also been received from residents.
During a one-day event in the community hall, TCDCC sought views from residents in the village.
Just over a third of residents were in support of the current plan; 42 per cent felt they needed more information; and 15 per cent were not in favour at all.
In its event report, the community council said: “The residents clearly share concerns for their place and whilst they are generally in favour of development to expand the village and what that might bring to the community, they seek that more information is needed.
“The public park is a community asset and most are convinced the current offer needs to be improved mainly for the sake of the children.”
In a planning statement, the applicants said: “As detailed within this planning statement – supported by a range of specialist studies and reports – it is considered that the proposed development, the design of which has evolved to consider all pre-application feedback, complies with national and local planning policy.”
Council documents to be tabled agree, adding that “there are no material considerations that indicate it should not be approved”.
The plans are available under 20/00267/PPP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here