Plans for 50 new homes on Kirkintilloch playing field approved

The board unanimously agreed to proposals for 50 new homes on a site at Cleddans Playing Field, located to the west of Mossgiel Gardens and Alloway Grove, subject to conditions specified in a report from officers.

The council intends to build a mixed development of social housing in the form of two-storey cottage flats and terraced houses, and a number of bungalows, with new access roads also to be created. A number of the properties will be designed to suit tenants with disabilities.

Although this development will result in the loss of green space, the report noted that a “robust” landscaping and maintenance plan would offer biodiversity benefits to people living in the area as well as improved connections to open spaces. At the same time, the design incorporated action points in terms of of sustainability, biodiversity and climate change, meaning that overall the proposals were in keeping with policy.

The development also includes a £70,000 fund towards the provision of open space and play facilities for children.

The council received four objections to the proposals. In addition to the loss of green space, various concerns were also raised, including loss of privacy, increased traffic, obstruction of views, reduction of property prices, and the prospect of antisocial behaviour on the proposed walkways behind the new houses.

However, no statutory consultees objected, although some requested additional information, and at the request of Historic Scotland, an additional condition was attached to the planning permission, concerning protective fencing prior to the commencement of works, as the site is close to the Antonine Wall, part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.

Other conditions require fencing around the development area to protect the root systems of trees that are to be retained.