RESIDENTS in Alva are objecting to plans which would increase the size of the town by as many as 275 houses.

The plans by Allanwater Homes, which would extend Alva to the west, have already drawn around a dozen objections after being lodged with Clackmannanshire Council this month.

Residents from the town are raising concerns over school and GP surgery capacity, loss of green space for wildlife, the erosion of Alva's countryside character as well as a lack of infrastructure and facilities to support a development of this size.

Some have also raised alarm bells by claiming the houses would be built on a floodplain.

In its application Allanwater Homes submitted that the “development has been designed in a manner that ensures it delivers the required level of infrastructure and will function in a sustainable manner”.

A planning statement submitted with the documents said: “It is considered the proposed development will contribute positively to the quality of the surrounding built and natural environment; and that it is an appropriate and sustainable use of this site within the settlement boundary – whilst creating a new edge of settlement boundary for Alva.

“The applicant is of the view that the proposed development will help satisfy demand in the area for a variety of housing, catering for families, young and older age groups, and would not result in any additional pressure on existing infrastructure and resources in the area.”

Many residents are of a different opinion on that final point, however.

Miss Chloe Wilson, who submitted a general comment neither objecting nor supporting the plans, said: “Initially thought this would be a good idea and positive for both villages; however, I do have concerns about how both primary schools will cope.

“Both Alva and Menstrie are full to capacity, so how would the council plan to accommodate potentially a further 400 children?

“Similarly with the GP practice which is already under pressure, it would be good to know what would be the plan for this.”

Objecting, Mr Ian Stewart said he had “grave concerns” over the plans, adding that the “identity of the Hillfoots towns are slowly being eroded and this project virtually joins the towns of Menstrie and Alva together”.

The two welcome signs to the settlements are currently separated by around 0.7miles.

Another resident objecting, Mrs Jean Mckerracher, added: “[The] health centre is difficult to access for appointments without any further added pressure, [and the] village has no post office.”

There has been one supportive statement as well, saying the development is a “great opportunity for Alva”.

If given the green light, the houses would be built on 20.69 hectares of arable land to the west of town, split by the A91.

According to the submissions by the developers, while the site is farmland it is “not considered in planning policy terms to be in the countryside as it is within the settlement boundary and does not form part of any green belt or defined countryside area”.