300 Central Belt jobs could be created as ambitious plans are revealed for hundreds of homes at Polmont site
Plans have been submitted to Falkirk Council for a major, long-term development featuring hundreds of homes and new parkland in Polmont.
The planning permission in principle application, lodged by landowner Hansteen Land, includes the development of a 55.6- hectare site allocated within the council’ s local development plan. Detailed planning applications will follow.
However, the key elements of the proposed development feature residential land for some 500 homes, including 125 affordable properties, as well as a mixed-use area of land at the north-eastern part of the site with “employment, retail, commercial and community uses” and a neighbourhood centre.
A new area of connected parks and a wetland area over half of the site incorporating “ecological habitat areas” are also proposed east of Gilston Farm and Gilston Crescent.
Gilston Park will create jobs, both during the construction phase and later for businesses. It is anticipated that up to 300 posts will be generated as a result of the project.
Ken Haldane, a consultant to Hansteen Land, said: “Our vision for this area is to provide an attractive new neighbourhood with housing and business opportunities over the next ten years.
“The development will play a major role in supporting economic recovery and delivering investment and jobs.
“In order to shape this planning application, online consultation was undertaken with the local community.
“We note the importance highlighted by the community about the range and function of local infrastructure being adversely impacted by this development.”
He added: “We can offer new services or facilities within the site, such as healthcare or a nursery, should it be of interest to local providers.
“Deli very of the proposal swill also bring development contributions towards any improvements to existing facilities. Further community and stakeholder consultation will be held in the future, including each stage of detailed proposals for individual phases.”
The plans include provision for a new bus route through the site and conversion of Nicolton Road into an active travel route.