THE first phases of a large-scale development that will turn a rural Clackmannanshire village into a small town have been approved recently.

Larger than any other application to date in the Wee County, a £330 million development by Hermiston Securities will build 1250 new houses, a primary school, community facilities, business units, shops, a hotel, a leisure centre and even a golf course at Forestmill, potentially creating hundreds of jobs.

The site area for the expansion covers just under 200Ha and the first phases of the development will see the erection of 250 houses with associated roads, footpaths and landscaping.

Certain conditions are still to be discharged before works can commence, but the approval by Clackmannanshire Council's Planning Committee marks a significant step toward the implementation of the master plan.

The proposals were first given outline planning permission nine years ago and as the Advertiser reported in 2009, some locals at the time felt that Forestmill's rural setting will be gone after the massive extension.

Conservative East Ward councillor Alastair Campbell told the Advertiser: “The development at Forestmill has been on the cards for a long time and my understanding is that the people of the village are largely supportive.

“You may know that, when all the plans are completed, Forestmill will end up a bigger place than Dollar. Of course, this will take a number of years.

“Obviously, it will completely change the local area, but the promise of a new primary school will be very beneficial and there is little doubt in my mind that the local economy will benefit considerably from this project.

“There is a need for new housing - not just in Clackmannanshire - but across Scotland and, indeed, the UK. It seems to me that this eco-friendly development is, in many ways, preferable to simply adding bits on to our existing towns and gives the opportunity to build in the latest technology [like] thermal heating systems.

“The council is already looking at different possibilities for Forestmill and I am looking forward to an exciting time ahead.”

Three comments were lodged regarding the first phase of the plans, with local residents worrying about site traffic, road and pedestrian safety as well as flooding at existing houses that lie lower than the development.

It is understood that construction traffic management plans are still to be finalised, but it is likely that the existing road through Forestmill would be used to some extent. SEPA has endorsed the flood risk assessment and proposals and is satisfied the development will not increase the risk of flooding.

East Ward Labour councillor Kathleen Martin said: “ These are the first detailed proposals for the new village development at Forestmill, following the original planning permission in principle granted in 2011 and the subsequent approval of the council’s local development plan and I welcome movement on this.

“Going forward this will be very good for the local economy.

“There are areas that have still to be addressed, and the transport plan has still to be agreed which should allay fears expressed in relation to construction traffic, and ensure that the local roads are improved for the extra traffic.”

While there is no obligation on Hermiston Securities to provide infrastructure to existing properties, it is anticipated that there will be improvements to the current settlement.

It is understood it could take more than a decade to complete the whole development, of the 1250 properties, 275 will be affordable housing. As part of the project, the Meadowhill Opencast Site will also be restored.