Cowie flats approved by planners

May 25 2011 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

NEW flats look set to be built in Cowie after plans were given the go-ahead by Stirling Council’s planning panel.

David McCormack submitted the application for the 16 two-bedroomed flats on a site north west of 32 Main Street in the village.

Council planners said the development was largely within a brownfield site and a small encroachment into the countryside and loss of vegetation was not considered to raise any planning concerns.

The application had been referred to the panel as the council has an interest in the site. The applicant was said to be currently purchasing part of it from the council to allow the development to proceed.

A condition of the approval was that a sum be paid towards play provision, with further conditions set to be reported on a future weekly planning schedule.

The flats will have a view over the Cowie playing fields and will have eight parking spaces.

Council planners added: “It is considered the proposal will help meet the council’s target for providing a range of housing needs as there is a limited amount of this type of accommodation within Cowie. The proposal also maintains the established pattern of development as it will have frontage access onto the main road.

“It is not considered the development of this site for housing will prejudice the council’s target of providing suitable land for employment uses. The site has been vacant for a considerable time and there is a modern industrial estate immediately adjacent to this site, which provides local employment. The proposals do not prejudice the existing retail units at this location.”