Bid to build on Falkirk greenbelt land raises concerns about impact on wildlife

10.01.2023 - 19:47 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A bid to build housing on greenbelt land just outside Maddiston will be discussed at a special meeting of Falkirk Council 's planning committee next week.

The pre-determination hearing, which will be livestreamed, will give councillors a chance to hear the facts about a proposal to develop land at Parkhall Farm.

The application is for residential homes but as it is only seeking permission 'in principle' there is no detail of what would be built.

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Currently open grassland, the site lies to the east of Maddiston on land immediately north of Cleuch Place, Gannel Drive and King Seat Place.

It is bounded by Nicolton Road to the north and by agricultural land to the east.

The site was the subject of a previous planning application that was turned down by Falkirk Council in 2018, then again in 2019 by the council's planning review committee.

The hearing will give councillors an opportunity to hear from the applicant, Manor Forrest Ltd, and also from anyone opposing the plans.

It will also allow them to hear more from various council officers on issues such as roads and flooding.

At the meeting, councillors can request more information where necessary for a future meeting of the planning committee when any decision will be taken.

A report to the committee shows that 61 objections have been received from the public plus two neutral representations.

Issued raised by those objecting include: school capacity; pressure on local amenities and community facilities; loss of recreation space; loss of greenspace; impact on trees; impact on ecology and wildlife; lack of need for additional housing; increase in congestion and road safety impact.

Pre-determination