Council Update on Planning Gain

Lionthorn Planning Gain Newsletter (Issue 4) Winter 2008
As you may recall from the previous newsletter a revised course of action has been proposed for spending the developer contributions of £318, 000 within the community of Lionthorn. The proposal is to split the resources between one major project which can make a significant improvement to recreational amenity and a range of smaller projects dispersed throughout the community. These projects are described in more detail below.

POTENTIAL MAJOR PROJECT

Policy Bing

Proposal – Pitch(s) / Multi Court and landscaping.

• The Policy Bing is sufficiently far from residential properties, however is easily accessible by foot/bike along the adjacent footpath which is being upgraded.
• It is currently an under-utilised resource, however with the proper investment could be a valuable community facility.
• It is likely that investment in the Policy Bing site could attract significant match funding from Sports Scotland / other sources.
• It is an established recreation facility which is proposed for upgrading in the Local Plan.
• Plenty of space so project has potential to grow.
• This project would require further site investigations to be undertaken, especially in terms of ground conditions and define the level and phasing of facilities.

POTENTIAL SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS

Hallglen Recreation Area North& South of Lionthorn Road

Proposal – Landscape and Environmental Improvements• Potential in this location for tree planting, habitat creation, paths, wild flower garden etc.
• There may be scope for limited play equipment.
• This project will require further investigation to assess its feasibility.
• Suggest project is taken forward in consultation with CSFT.
• Discussion will be required with Housing Services who own site.
Fox Covert (Car Parking Area)

Proposal – 6-10 car parking spaces and woodland walk interpretation boards.

• This proposal would give the opportunity to enhance and formalise an area which is already utilised for car parking.
• No play facilities would be provided.
Upgrade existing play areas

Proposal – There is potential to enhance existing play facilities at Glengarry Crescent & Achray Drive.

• The scope of this project needs investigation.
General environmental improvements

Proposal – Money to be used as and when projects come forward.

• Some of the suggestions put forward by the Residents Association include:
• Repair wall at Graeme Place.
• Tidy up the gorse bush area along Lionthorn Road/parallel to Farquharson Way.
• Biodiversity enhancement of Wetland.

The above strategy was considered and endorsed by the Council’s Environment and Heritage Committee on 25th November 2008. It will now be referred to the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee for final approval on 13th January 2009. Should you have any further comments prior to consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee, these should be submitted to the address below (or emailed) by Friday 19th December 2008.

Louise Blance
Falkirk Council
Development Services
Abbotsford House
Davids Loan
Falkirk FK2 7YZ
Tel: 01324 504717
planenv@falkirk.gov.uk