Massive Whitecross housing plans bite the dust

The former Manuel Works site at Whitecross had been earmarked for major regeneration.

But after over four years of delays Falkirk Council’s planning committee has finally given up on the idea.

Councillors were told on Wednesday repeated attempts by officers to have the developers and other landowners sign the vital paperwork needed to move the scheme forward had failed.

They heard that agents for one of the key players with a “significant” stake in the scheme, Callendar Estate, has asked on Monday for the deadline to be extended.

Committee convener Baillie Billy Buchanan said: “It’s incredible that after all these years they come up with another excuse not to sign just two days before our meeting. The timing of their request was ridiculous.

“Everyone wants to see this site developed. Our officers have dealt with the application very professionally and I sympathise with them. All the parties have been given all the time they should have needed.”

Planning permission in principle was granted to Morston Assets, who went into administration last December, in May 2011.