Durieshill development given final approval by Stirling Council’s Planning and Regulation Panel

The ground-breaking construction of a new housing development at Durieshill has been given the final planning go ahead by Stirling Council.

The 593 acre site, situated between Bannockburn and Plean, will see the creation of more than 3,000 new homes by developer Springfield Properties, 25 per cent of which will be affordable housing.

Construction is expected to span 30 years and will also include new schools, local shops and business park, civic areas, new playparks, community woodland and active travel routes to Stirling and Plean.

It is hoped around 130 new jobs will be created during construction and a further 770 post-construction in the new commercial centre, community facilities and business units.

Investment

The Council’s Planning and Regulation Panel agreed today (Tuesday, August 29) to the final planning approval, after resolving to grant planning permission in December 2019, to take into account subsequent changes in planning policy.

This follows approval by Stirling Council last Thursday (August 24) to support the capital investment needed for delivering the education and transport infrastructure – almost £57 million spread over 24 years.  Officers will now conclude the legal agreement process.

Opportunity

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane, said:

“This is the largest detailed planning application for housing to ever be approved in Scotland. It is an exciting development and we move forward with Springfield Properties in a spirit of mutual co-operation.

“We have worked diligently as a Council, at a time of great financial challenge for local government, to ensure the affordability of our investment in this development without it adversely impacting other important capital considerations in the coming years.

“No city should ever stand still and Stirling needs more housing. Durieshill presents a wonderful opportunity for Stirling to continue to flourish and grow.

“Springfield’s commitment to providing employment and training opportunities to local residents aligns with our own community wealth building priorities. The construction of affordable housing is also key to our partnership approach.

“We are committed to supporting the delivery of a thriving and sustainable community, with a forward thinking approach to the decarbonisation of heat and energy. Active travel infrastructure is vital, with walking and cycling networks within the development that connect to the wider city.”

Biodiversity

Durieshill was first identified as a preferred location for a major growth area by Stirling Council in 2004 and is an allocated site within the Stirling Local Development Plan.

The development will also support biodiversity by providing 20 hectares of additional tree planting, including regenerated community woodland.