A consultation exercise over the future direction of the regeneration of Denny has shown positive public support for Falkirk Council’s plans to redevelop the town centre.

A meeting of Falkirk Council heard how three-drop in events in Denny attended by approximately 100 residents had indicated that:

85% of those replying were looking for a new town centre to be delivered as soon as possible rather than waiting for a ‘better’ scheme.

68% of those who responded said that they thought Falkirk Council’s plans were a positive step forward for Denny and 90% had found the drop-in events either useful or very useful.

Falkirk Council will now commence work on two planning applications that will include a detailed application for the first stage with plans, elevations and artist impressions for the scheme including include the car park, library, shops, town square and public realm work and a masterplan that will allow for the second and third phase of the development to be marketed for retail development.

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The Council also heard from 21st Century Denny, a local group set up to consider the regeneration plans who presented a petition requesting that the Council’s scheme be held back for further consultation.

Cllr Craig Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council said: "It is clear from the feedback that people in Denny want to see change and that they want us to progress this as soon as possible.

"The presentation from 21st Century Denny was also well received by the Council.

"The consultation raised many interesting and valid points about how local people wan to see their town centre develop and this exercise has been very useful at gathering ideas many of which will be incorporated into our future plans.

"We are planning further community consultation events in early 2012 where we will speak with the community including 21st Century Denny. We intend to take on board feedback on our proposals contained in our planning applications with a view to putting forward a finalised planning application by March 2012.

"We are wholly committed to transforming the town centre in Denny and want to work constructively with the local community to see this delivered."

(GK)