Reshaping of Raploch
Progress on 319 new homes bid
Details of more than 300 new homes planned for four different sites across Raploch have emerged.
Stirling Council’s planning and regulations panel unanimously backed plans by the Robertson Group to build housing on land owned by the council, last Tuesday.
Planning permission in principle was granted in January this year, and last week councillors agreed details of the 319 homes. These include: •75 affordable homes at Back O’Hill Road (site 6) where there used to be council housing (Gowanhill Gardens);
•211 homes (mix of 75 private and 136 affordable) at the former primary school and playground (site 8);
• 16 affordable homes at Drip Road between Kildean Hospital and Balfour Street ;
•17 affordable homes, on a site which fronts Drip Road.
The proposals were approved subject to conditions.
Council planner Jane Brooks Burnett said: “Site 6 lies to the north of Back O’Hill Road and west of Glendevon Drive. Development is restricted by a water main which runs to the south of the site, however this allows for a landscaped area adjacent to Back O’Hill Road which could link, at a future date, to the City Park. One three-storey block is proposed at the corner of Back O’Hill Road and Glendevon Drive. It is considered this will provide a focal point and gateway entrance to Raploch.”
She added that the road through the site had been designed to help reduce traffic speeds.
Site 8/8A is the only site to contain a mix of so-called ‘affordable’ housing and market (private) housing.
Ms Brooks Burnett added: “There will not be any distinction between the market and affordable housing on site. Whilst the vast majority of the development is two-storey, a three-storey block is proposed at the corner of Drip Road/Raploch Road. This three-storey element is market housing. The housing type is a mix of semi-detached, terrace, flats and cottage flats. Acoustic fencing was included on part of the western boundary to ensure future residents could enjoy rear gardens of the proposed units without noise nuisance emanating from plant associated with Castle Business Park (specifically Glendevon House).
Panel convenor Councillor Alasdair MacPherson said: “One of our key priorities is to build more affordable homes across the Stirling Council area and these developments will result in an increased supply of good quality, energy efficient housing. I look forward to seeing this project getting underway and for new tenants to be able to access these new properties.”
Local Tory councillor Ross Oxburgh said this week: “It is, of course, good news the panel have confirmed the application for these homes and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the previous housing convener, Violet Weir, for her efforts to ensure this redevelopment took place. Building homes is one thing but we desperately need to makes changes to the council’s allocations policy to make sure those in most need get council houses.”