A PROPOSED new development in Alloa has attracted a number of objections from concerned residents.

A handful of people are opposing the plans, citing various concerns such as privacy, the availability of parking spaces and increased traffic levels.

The proposals would convert the existing B-listed building, the former HQ of Clackmannanshire Council, to accommodate 15 flats.

It is understood the linked, brickbuilt, extension would be demolished and rebuilt to become home to another 27 flats, while developers Kapital Assets Ltd will also look to erect a new, three-storey block of six flats.

Altogether, there would be 48 new flats with the developer saying units are aimed at senior residents with the block of six intended to be sold on the open market.

The development would see alterations to the main building, there would be partial demolitions and new car parking would also be created alongside landscaping works.

While some residents have been impressed with the main development proposal, they are objecting to the new block of six flats.

A resident from neighbouring Hill Street said when these were originally proposed at an Alloa Community Council meeting, they were described as “cottages” rather than an “effectively three-storey building” with a high-pitched roof.

Another resident said the tall extension would create a lack of privacy for some Hill Street residents, as well as a loss of light.

Others fear access to the public Greenfield Park could become more restricted.

Some have also raised an issue regarding the nearby trees as it is believed that some trees would have to be removed to give way to the development.

A tree survey, submitted alongside planning documents to Clackmannanshire Council, identified 39 trees between the ages of 30 and 145 in the vicinity.

Of the 39, which include a widerange of species, 17 are “unsuitable in terms of condition and proximity to the development”.

According to some objectors, the loss of trees would also affect local wildlife and biodiversity.

Another concern is that if the development will not attract senior residents, the developer would have to open the market to everyone.

An objector said this would result in young families with children moving in with new pupils enrolling into Sunnyside Primary School, which is already near maximum capacity.

A bat survey has also been carried out as part of the planning process. However, an objecting nearby resident says it was not conducted properly.

They say the assessment was carried out during daytime only in October – outside the nesting season.

The survey says Greenfield House itself has a low potential for use by bats, but the extension, which would be demolished, has been rated as having a medium potential, with the potential impact of the demolition rated as high.

But the survey notes there are no previous records of bats using the buildings.

In October, the end of the active summer season and beginning of the hibernation period, the surveyor checked the buildings for roosts and signs of bats, but found nothing.

In summary, the survey said: “A daytime survey outside the active season for bats cannot provide a reliable assessment of presence or absence of bats.”

Agents Enspire Architects Ltd did not wish to comment on the ongoing planning process, but highlighted that objections will be considered by the council’s planning board.

The Advertiser understands it is now past the deadline for comments.