Falkirk councillors rejected a plan for new homes due to road safety fears raised by residents and the council’s roads team.
The houses would be south of Hillcrest Square. Access was planned from Shieldhill Road. A bigger Persimmon site is nearby. Residents and a councillor opposed the plan. They spoke at Wednesday’s planning meeting.
Road safety was their main worry. Roderick Graham lives in Hillcrest Square. He said the road has dips and a blind spot. Traffic is increasing, he pointed out. Fog, sun, and rain make visibility poor.
Nicola Welsh also shared worries. The houses have only two parking spots. She asked where visitors would park safely. The community council also objected earlier. They cited traffic concerns as their reason.
Councillor Anne Hannah agreed with residents. She drives that road often. It’s dangerous, she said. Students use the pavement to walk to school. That could cause an accident.
Hannah worried about crowded schools too. Braes High is already very full, she explained. Falkirk Council’s roads team shared concerns. They advised against approving the plan.
Two access points were better than four, though. Councillor Kerr refused the plan. He cited road safety issues. Councillor Buchanan proposed approval. Provost Bissett backed him. Councillors voted against the plan. The vote was eight to two, with two abstentions.