Flat plan for offices

MainStreetdrainagefears

Office space in Fallin is set to be turned back into flats.

Stirling Council housing services is seeking permission for a change of use for the space above 6-10 The Square, off Main Street to create four onebedroom flats.

Council planners are recommending approval of the bid, but one objection has been submitted from a villager citing concerns such as parking, potential antisocial behaviour and drainage issues.

Objector Leslie Summerscales said: “Given there are a number of shops/takeaways/ library/church hall etc in the area, added flats would add to the poor parking facilities in this area and increase traffic congestion around the square/Weir Drive.

“Even with gates locked at the top of the stairs there have been instances of people on the roof and things being thrown from this back area, causing damage to property. Presumably the gates would have to be unlocked if the offices were returned to housing stock, increasing the risk of this behaviour.

“The drainage which runs from the office area/ chip shop runs along the back of Weir Drive to Wallace Place and is bad for blocking and backing up with rainfall. If another four flats were added to this system this would increase.”

Planners said, however: “Fallin is a pressured area in terms of housing. The developer in this instance is the council and all four units will be for affordable housing provision.

“Roads Development Control have not raised any issues regarding parking provision for the development.

“It is not considered return to the original use would have a material effect on neighbouring properties. With regards to anti-social behaviour, bringing the site back into active residential use will lead to passive surveillance of the area and may help discourage anti-social behaviour. If such behaviour occurs, the appropriate authorities should be contacted.

“It is not considered an increase of four dwellings will have a material impact on drainage in the area, however appropriate drainage will be fully considered by Building Standards when a building warrant is applied for.”

Unless a councillor requests that the mater is heard by the council’s planning panel, the application will be approved.

All four units will be for affordable housing