GILSTON Park, a mixed-use development at Polmont, has been tipped to deliver £120 million of investment and create hundreds of jobs and ‘much-needed’ housing if approved by councillors on the planning committee of Falkirk Council this week.
The application for Planning Permission in Principle by Hansteen will establish the design principles of developing this site, allocated within Falkirk Council’s Local Development Plan 2.
The proposal has been recommended for approval by Falkirk Council planners and attracted the interest of Cala Homes, who will progress the design and deliver the development, should planning be granted. The scheme has also received the backing of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The proposed neighbourhood will provide employment and commercial land; around 500 homes (including 25% affordable housing); large areas of parkland; and a new neighbourhood centre with potential for retail and community use.
49% of the site will be retained as open space and at the heart of the development will be a park and wetland area, linked to a network of other parks, sport and play spaces.
Developer contributions approaching £8 million will go towards local education, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and transport infrastructure.
Ian Conway from Cala Homes said, “The Gilston Park development will deliver much-needed affordable and private for sale homes, as well as employment and commercial opportunities. This highly sustainable development continues to build on our already strong presence in the Falkirk Council area and will bring considerable economic benefits to the local community, delivering a jobs boost and millions of pounds worth of investment.
“Assisting in overall regeneration of the site, the extensive greenspaces including linked parks, play areas and general amenity will also create new and enhance habitat areas that will contribute significant environmental and social benefits for both the future residents and the wider local community.”
Lynn Blaikie, president of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, commented, “It is fantastic to see this level of investment being made in the area, delivering land for employment and commercial uses, as well as much-needed housing. As we recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, the delivery of hundreds of jobs and considerable investment is to be applauded, increasing education provision and delivering key transport infrastructure improvements and new bus services.”
