REDRAWN plans for a controversial development for a new "town" on green belt land by dairy firm Graham's are to be lodged by the end of the year, the company said.
The Stirlingshire firm behind the proposed Airthrey Kerse development between Bridge Of Allan and Causewayhead said it was working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Stirling Council and would hold local consultations in the weeks ahead.
Graham's The Family Dairy has been criticised over the green belt development plan, with hundreds of residents having earlier written to the council to complain about the proposals. The plans originally included building 800 homes at the site, which is owned by the firm.
The company says the move will open up green belt land to public use and create jobs and amenities. The plan includes a school, public park, allotments and sports pitches, but it is unclear how many homes it will now involve. The "town" would be called Airthrey Green.
Concerns have already been voiced over the new move and a Green Party councillor for the area said he expected protests.
Campaigners had earlier launched a website under the banner Save Bridge Of Allan and said the plan to build on the site should be dumped because it would ruin green belt land and cause traffic problems.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had also objected on the grounds the plans may "place buildings and persons at flood risk".
Dr Robert Graham, chairman of Graham's, said he believed concerns had been addressed.
He said: "We are entering a positive new phase for our Airthrey Green proposal and are very grateful to Stirling Council and Sepa for sharing their professional expertise during the last 20 months.
The process has been lengthy but has been handled in a transparent and professional manner."
He said the family had farmed the land there for five generations and believed it could expand to benefit the area.
"The development aims to protect Bridge Of Allan and Causewayhead's unique identities while expanding the amenities for both communities. We would encourage everyone to visit our public consultation in the next couple of months to hear more about our planning submission."
Graham's is one of the largest private sector employers in Stirling, with almost 350 workers.
The development proposals are designed to allow the Graham family to expand the company's dairy operation and create more than 150 jobs within the Bridge of Allan-based dairy and a further 200 within the wider dairy industry.
The planning submission will feature a public park that will remain designated green belt. It says there will be a long term maintenance fund and a flood alleviation scheme will be built to stop flooding in the area and protect existing properties under risk in Bridge of Allan and Causewayhead.
A neighbourhood centre with services that will complement local businesses, including health care provision will also be built under the proposals.
Councillor Mark Ruskell, of the Green Party, is among those who have objected to the plan.
He said: "There has been uncertainty and piecemeal erosion of this green belt for years. It is time to put the issue to rest once and for all and rule out any further development on the Airthrey Kerse.
"Other options for housing exist, such as the soon to be vacated Cornton Vale prison site.
"We do not need to compromise the very reason that people want to come to live in the area in the first place."
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