300 jobs could be created as plans revealed for hundreds of new homes in Polmont

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 to Falkirk Council, lodged by landowner Hansteen Land, includes the development of a 55.6-hectare site at 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 to establish the eventual designs, layouts and uses.

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 new neighbourhood centre.

A new area of connected parks and a wetland area over half of the site incorporating “ecological habitat areas” and linked by “active travel routes” are also proposed on land to the 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 and we would like to thank them for their time and contribution to this process during these difficult times.

“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.

“Delivery of the proposals will 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.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director