Plans for 228 homes on farmland in Denny approved as £2m to be invested to expand local schools

Plans to build 228 new homes on Denny farmland have been approved as the developer vowed to contribute £2m to help expand local schools.

The 228 new homes that Avant Homes and Callendar Estates will build at Mydub Farm, Glasgow Road, Denny are part of major housebuilding taking place in the area as part of the local development plan.

The plans came in front of councillors in January, but members agreed to visit the site before making a final decision and get more information about how this site, along with others soon to be developed nearby, will affect schools, the NHS and road safety in the area.

Following their visit, councillors considered the matter at this month’s planning committee.

According to the report to members, the developers have agreed to make contributions that include more than £2m towards the cost of the recently opened DEAR (Denny Eastern Access Road).

A further £1,317,329.28 will be used to help the council replace modular classrooms with permanent classrooms in Denny Primary School.

Members heard that the council expects around 78 children to attend the local primary school and 23 children to go to Denny High School.

The high school will receive a contribution of £699,102 to expand capacity.

NHS Forth Valley requested a contribution of £123,245, which will go to work that has already taken place to create new treatment rooms for Denny Cross Medical Practice.

Members heard that developer contributions can only be used for infrastructure so could not be used to fund staff for the practice or local NHS services.

Also agreed was a core path contribution of £20,000, a public art contribution of £39,90 and an urban woodland contribution of £57,000.

The developers will also provide affordable housing at 15% of total unit numbers, which is 34 units.

Members agreed that they were minded to grant the application, subject to conditions including all agreed contributions being made.