Published on:
15
March 2012
Plans have been approved for a major new housing development on the site of the former Alloa Academy.
The application from Bellway Homes Limited to build 97 new houses, including roads, footpaths, a play area, water basin and open space at the Claremont site, was given approval today (Thursday) by Clackmannanshire Council's Planning Committee.
The application, which complies with the council's Development Plan, will allow for the redevelopment of the vacant former school site in Alloa.
Garry Dallas, Director of Services to Communities, said: "This will allow the vacant former school site to be turned into a positive redevelopment with high quality, housing for the people of Clackmannanshire, which will include open space, landscaping and play provision.
"It is expected that work will start soon on the site, and will probably take two to three years to complete. It should be a very popular and attractive development when it is finished."
The site of the former Alloa Academy, which adjoins the grounds of Claremont Primary School to the east and is bounded by Arns Brae Pleasure Grounds to the south, and the nearby Braehead Golf Course, is to be redeveloped in its entirety, with a total of 97 two storey, detached houses.
The development will include two new vehicle accesses onto Claremont, with additional access to the west and south.
In accordance with new planning legislation, proposals for the new development, which is regarded as a "major development", was put out for public consultation in August 2011,
Direct contact was made with Alloa Centre Community Council, Braehead Golf Club, Claremont and St John's Primary Schools, as well as notifying neighbours and holding a public drop-in exhibition, which was attended by 74 members of the public.
Concerns raised over increased traffic volumes and speed on surrounding roads were alleviated by Bellway Homes traffic engineer, who had carried out a survey and revealed the new development will generate less traffic than the previous school site.
Developers propose to install traffic calming measures, including two speed tables at the two proposed accesses onto Claremont, as an additional safety measure.
The Council will also be providing an adjoining kick-about area, alongside a play area for children aged between two and 14.
There will also be a fully surfaced and lit Safe Route to School through Arns Brae Pleasure Grounds before the new school opening, which will also benefit secondary school children walking or cycling to Alloa Academy.