Falkirk Council: Go-ahead for 400 homes on Bo'ness farmland

Members of Falkirk Council’s planning committee agreed unanimously that work can start on the site, which is on farmland near Crawfield Road, Bo’ness, after hearing that the existing flooding along this road “poses no risk to the proposed development”.

Members heard that a full flood risk assessment had been carried out and that the work on the development would mean a surface water drainage system will be installed. This would actually improve the situation with flooding along Crawfield Road, they were told.

The site was originally rejected by Falkirk councillors after local opposition to the plans. However, a Scottish Government Reporter overruled that decision and included it in the council’s latest local development plan (LDP2).

The application granted was for detailed planning permission for 229 houses in phase one and planning permission in principle for phase two, which will bring further housing along with potential commercial / community use.

The applicant’s agent, Colin Lavety, told councillors that the developers had worked positively with council officers to create a high quality area and address any concerns, including transportation, flood risk and drainage.

He said they had listened to community concerns and reduced the number of units from 229 to 227 as well as improving the open space, play areas and landscaping on the site, adding the site would have a wide range of housing, from one-bedroom to six-bedroom and 15 per cent will be affordable housing which will be built onsite.

Mr Lavety said that the company was in discussion with Falkirk Council’s housing team to make sure that “what is delivered is what is required locally”.

The planning permission does come with a range of conditions and members heard that ‘planning gain’ would be worth around £1.6 million.

This includes contributions of £1629.61 per house to help local nurseries increase capacity; £100 per house towards public art and £250 per house towards greenspace improvements. They will also make “a proportionate contribution towards upgrading of the surrounding core path network”.

The developer will also give £1159 per unit to help address healthcare capacity issues or provide land to accommodate a new healthcare facility.

Mr Lavety said other benefits would be new traffic calming and drainage along Crawfield Road and “significant recreational areas” including a new walking and cycling route.

Economic benefits include 52 direct jobs and 63 indirect jobs and bring in around £765,000 in council tax per year.