A residential-led mixed-use development at Gilston Park, Polmont, is ready 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.

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 high-quality 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.

As one of the UK's leading providers of new homes, Cala is keen to continue their successful presence within Falkirk and contribute towards economic growth in the area through Gilston.

The proposal has secured a recommendation for approval from officers, and will help Falkirk Council to achieve its required housing land supply targets. The scheme has also received the backing of local business organisation, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

This proposed sustainable 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. Just under half (49 per cent) of the site will be retained as open space. At the heart of the development will be a major central park and attractive wetland area, linked to a network of other parks, sport and play spaces. This will provide recreational space for the whole community to enjoy and encourage active travel.

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It is estimated that around 150 jobs (direct and indirect) will be created for every year of construction. Once established, Gilston Park is expected to support around 300-400 full-time jobs, benefiting the local community. In addition to significant household expenditure, the proposals will generate in excess of £500,000 of council tax receipts.

Cala is committed to delivering significant benefits to the local community through its Community Pledge programme, supporting local groups and initiatives, bolstering local employers and businesses, appointing local employees and ultimately providing regionalised value to communities.

Developer contributions approaching £8million will go towards local education, affordable housing, healthcare facilities; and transport infrastructure - including upgrades to junction 4 of the M9, local junction improvements; new and improved bus services making connections to Polmont Rail Station and the wider Falkirk area. 

Ian Conway from Cala Homes commented: "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."