New bid to turn old MFI site into homes
Developers lodge fresh proposal
A new bid has been launched to develop the former MFI site in St Ninians, 15 years after the furniture store closed its doors.
Developers Allan Water Developments have submitted a fresh application to Stirling Council planners for 52 new homes on the plot at Maitland Crescent.
The homes include 31 flats in two blocks, 12 terraced houses and nine detached houses.
But they have shelved plans for shops on the site, which had been a sticking point four years ago when they lodged their last proposal.
The site already has planning permission for a supermarket but, in a supporting statement submitted to the council, the developer’s planning consultants Bracewell Stirling said despite active marketing over a number of years there had been no commitment to purchase the site from any supermarket proprietors.
The statement added: “Having a derelict brownfield site remain indefinitely at a key location on the approach into the city of Stirling is less than ideal and the site is of limited value in its current status.
“Any development will of course have to take into account the historic costs associated with the site in order to achieve a viable outcome.
“To that end the development numbers and mix have been dictated by running a number of financial viability outcomes and reviewing market requirements. The applicant therefore seeks to develop a solution which has merit in delivering attractive options for those seeking to locate or relocate in the area.
“The previous application, which had a similar mix and layout, save for a small element of retail, was the subject of a formal pre-application consultation process (PAC). Given the similarity of this proposal it is felt the original PAC can still be relied upon. Whilst the agent has corresponded with Stirling Council on this matter, the council has chosen not to comment at this time.
“Given the general support for housing on the site and the reservations in respect of the previously proposed retail functions, the developer has chosen to respond by omitting the retail facility in favour of a wholly residential development.
“Homes will provide a range of accommodation from flats and terraced starter homes through to larger semi and detached dwellings and will be built to an exacting standard.
“The range of dwelling types and size afford opportunities to a wide range of end users including first time buyers and family homes.”
Council planners will make a recommendation on the proposal in due course.