Sinking feeling over new housing plans

Grange Burn may be affected by a new housing development in the Braes

At a meeting of Falkirk Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, members looked at the proposed development framework for the Maddiston East strategic growth area (SGA).

The council’s local development plan (LDP) identifies Maddiston East as one of 12 SGAs to provide the focus for residential growth in the Falkirk Council area.

The Maddiston East SGA is made of six development sites – four developments at Parkhall Farm, one at The Haining and another at Toravon Farm – which are expected to total 280 properties.

Councillor Robert Spears said: “My concern is drainage and the flood prevention issues.

‘‘Grangemouth is at the bottom of the Braes and we tend to get all the overflow coming down from that area.

“Water runs downhill and collects in Grangemouth at places like the Grange Burn. The drainage systems of these new housing developments need measures in place to prevent this.”

One of the Parkhall Farm developments is nearing completion and is expected to deliver around 60 housing units over the next three years.

Councillor Tom Coleman was concerned about the impact the housing developments would have on schools.

He said: “The problem with capacity has been identified over a number of years and the authority has been struggling in the Braes. You are looking at the potential for 120 more children coming in from these developments which could be a problem for the future.

“I’m also aware the local community are not too happy about this development.”

Each of the development sites will be going out to public consultation.