Controversial Falkirk greenbelt housing plans are set to make a return to the council after facing a lengthy delay. The proposal, which involves building houses on Parkhall Farm at the outskirts of Maddiston, will be reconsidered by Falkirk Council’s planning committee next week after being put on hold for almost two years. Manor Forrest, the developers behind the project, will have the opportunity to present their case at a special hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 9.
During the upcoming pre-determination hearing, councillors will hear from both supporters and opponents of the housing plans in order to gather more information before making a final decision at a later meeting. The application under review seeks planning permission to develop residential properties on open grassland located north of Cleuch Place, Gannel Drive, and Kings Seat Place, with boundaries along Nicolton Road and open agricultural land to the east.
Originally, a pre-determination hearing took place in January 2023, but progress was halted due to a legal dispute concerning a separate development in West Lothian that was taken to the Court of Session. At the 2023 hearing, concerns were raised by members of the public regarding potential strains on local infrastructure and loss of community open space and wildlife habitats. The current application has received 63 objections and two neutral representations, prompting councillors to request more detailed information from the developer.
The rescheduled pre-determination hearing is set to take place on Wednesday, October 9 at 6pm at Grangemouth Community Education Unit, Abbots Road, Grangemouth. The meeting will be accessible via livestream on Falkirk Council’s YouTube channel, ensuring transparency and public access to the proceedings. Follow it here for the latest updates and developments.