Decision time for controversial plans to build 150 new homes on Falkirk farmland

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Controversial plans to build 150 houses on farmland in Falkirk will come before councillors for a decision soon.A report by Falkirk Council's planning officers recommends refusal for Taylor Wimpey's plans to build on part of Roughlands Farm, Mill Road, Carronshore, but elected members will have the final say.There have been 113 objections to the development according to the report that will be considered by councillors on January 15. Read more: Signed Oasis guitars being sold by Falkirk councillor for paupers grave memorial The application seeks planning permission in principle to develop the five-hectare site, bound by farmland and housing, with Webster Avenue, Roughlands Drive and New Carron Road surrounding the fields.The land is mainly agricultural, although there are three cottages within the site, adjacent to Webster Avenue.The farmland is at the edge of Carronshore and Stenhousemuir, both of which have seen rapid growth in the last 20 years, with more than 2600 houses built in nearby Kinnaird Village.Concerns that have been raised by members of the public include capacity at schools and nurseries, including Larbert High School which is already the largest non-denominational school in Scotland.If councillors agree to the proposals, a contribution of £750,667.50 would be requested for the work needed to increase capacity at local school and nurseries.Other issues include access to health services, increased traffic and road safety, pollution and a loss of greenbelt land.Planning officers also have concerns about a new development on greenbelt land while there are still "pressures on infrastructure arising from growth".NHS Forth Valley has advised the council that all but one of the local medical practices are at