A new mixed-use development at Polmont could deliver around £120m of investment and create hundreds of jobs, if approved Falkirk Council's planning committee tomorrow.
The application for Planning Permission in Principle by Hansteen will establish the design principles of developing the proposed Gilston Park site, allocated within Falkirk Council’s Local Development Plan 2.
It has already been recommended for approval by Falkirk Council planners and attracted the interest of Cala Homes, which will progress the design and deliver the development, should planning be granted.
This proposed sustainable neighbourhood aims to provide employment and commercial land, with around 500 homes - including 25% affordable housing - large areas of parkland and a new neighbourhood centre with potential for retail and community use.
Just under half (49%) of the site will be retained as open space. At the heart of the development will be a park and wetland area, linked to a network of other sport and play spaces.
It is estimated that around 150 jobs will be created for every year of construction. Once established, Gilston Park is expected to support around 300 to 400 full-time jobs, benefiting the local community.
In addition to significant household expenditure, the proposals should generate in excess of £500,000 of council tax receipts.
Developer contributions approaching £8m will go towards local education, affordable housing, healthcare facilities and transport infrastructure - including upgrades to junction four of the M9 - as well as local junction improvements and improved bus services making connections.
Ian Conway, strategic projects director at Cala Homes, commented: “The Gilston Park development will deliver much-needed affordable and private for sale homes, as well as employment and commercial opportunities.
“Assisting in overall regeneration of the site, the extensive green spaces including linked parks, play areas and general amenity will also create new and enhance habitat areas that will contribute significant environmental and social benefits for both the future residents and the wider local community.”
Lynn Blaikie, president of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, stated: “It is fantastic to see this level of investment being made in the area, delivering land for employment and commercial uses, as well as much-needed housing.
“As we recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, the delivery of hundreds of jobs and considerable investment is to be applauded, increasing education provision and delivering key transport infrastructure improvements and new bus services.”
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