A joint project could bring 600 new homes and 450 jobs to the Stirling area.
Dairy company Graham’s wants to create a new £20 million facility at Bridge of Allan, bringing local employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
The “sustainable economic development” at Airthrey Green is being brought forward in partnership with housing developer Mactaggart and Mickel Homes.
A joint planning application has been submitted to Stirling Council, with the applicants looking to provide new housing, education facilities and infrastructure.
Managing director of Graham’s the Family Dairy, Robert Graham, said: “Airthrey Green is a deliverable project which not only meets a shortfall in housing land requirements in the Stirling area, but enables the delivery of a new, purpose-built dairy and new product development facility in Stirling.
“Our proposals offer wonderful social and economic opportunities for Bridge of Allan and Causewayhead, while protecting the unique character and identity of these communities, in a planned and considered manner.
“The land uses proposed are a positive response to Stirling Council’s Strategic City Investment Plan and are underpinned by the principles of sustainable economic develop-ment.”
The new dairy would accommodate a product development research facility and the new jobs would be in addition to the existing workforce of 400.
Mr Graham said the development would also be in addition to the company’s current headquarters at Airthrey Kerse.
He added: “The alternative, were Airthrey Green not to come forward, is to continue a multi-site investment programme across our Scottish property which would, inevitably, be at the expense of Stirling.”
Proposals for Airthrey Green include:
* a public park with footpaths and cycle ways
* a flood alleviation scheme
* a new, single-stream primary school for Causewayhead
* improvements to the local roads network, including a section of the current Cornton to Bridge of Allan link road
* 600 homes, including affordable housing, retirement properties and self-build opportunities
* a centre with retail and leisure units.
Mr Graham said the proposals meet Scottish Planning Policy guidelines on the delivery of sustainable development.
“They have been the subject of extensive public consultation which we welcome, the results of which have helped shape the project,” he said.
“The LDP (Local Development Plan) reporter has already acknowledged the site has development potential in the future, subject to resolution of technical issues, and in order to maintain a minimum statutory five-year housing land supply.
“A new dairy facility would be an amazing opportunity to create local employment and apprenticeships and support the growth and profile of Stirling as a vibrant, leading Scottish city.”
For more details visit www.airthreygreenstirling.com.