Homes bid as bridge is delayed
Developers ask for change
Developers in Blanefield are seeking permission to build more houses before creating infrastructure after being hit by lockdown and hefty utility costs.
Agents for FM Developments have applied to Stirling Council planners to vary a condition of their existing planning permission.
They want to be allowed to build a maximum of 25 houses/flats and for them to be occupied before they have to complete a new pedestrian footbridge and other “tie-ins” at Dalnair House.
The original planning approval asked for the pedestrian bridge to be implemented by the completion of the first 15 flats/houses in the development. However, they now want to amend the condition.
In a submission to the officials, the agents said: “The overall development to date, has encountered considerable additional costs, specifically in relation to the existing limited utility services in the area which have required substantial upgrading.
“The below standard existing water mains in Croftamie area has added an additional £100,000 to upgrade the water pressure for the development. These additional costs along with the current Covid-19 restrictions have led to programming difficulties relating to the design, approval and installation of the proposed pedestrian bridge and other factors.
“The initial plan was for the bridge to be installed during the current summer months. This window has now been lost due to Covid-19 and will need to be rescheduled. Covid-19 has also seen up to now, six months plus added to the programme in delays along with all the associated funding, insurance costs.
“Our clients have maintained the existing labour force, however moving forward all programmed works will now be elongated due to social distancing measures to keep all site staff safe while complaining with Government guidance. This extended programme will lead to further delays and more additional costs incurred.
“We request that the condition be modified to allow for the completion of a total of 25 flats / houses. This would see an extra 10 houses being completed from the initial consent while allowing the existing works on site to continue.” Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on the request in due course.