A PLANNING application to erect two houses on a children's play park in Menstrie has been withdrawn after it was set to be rejected. 

The proposals, made in August, caused concern among residents of Rowan Crescent as the space was regularly used by young people in the area.

Many were also worried that a go ahead would cause congestion on the already packed housing estate.

In a report submitted to elected members ahead of a planning committee meeting, the council's principal planner Grant Baxter agreed with the points raised by members of the public and said the application did not comply with various policies included in the Clackmannanshire Local Development Plan.

It read: "The proposals would replace a valuable amenity space and play area serving local residents with a development which would not positively enhance the site or its surrounding townscape.

"The proposal would unacceptably increase development density of a planned open space and overall would reduce amenity and townscape quality in the street and surrounding area.

"The proposals would detrimentally affect the value and function of open spaces and recreational facilities in this community. No suitable alternative provision exists or is proposed, with the nearest alternative facility on the opposite side of a distributor road.

"The proposals would therefore result in a deficit in provision of safe and accessible open space and play area provision serving the local community."

A total of 65 objections were received by Clackmannanshire Council, including one from Menstrie Mains Residents Association.

When the main concerns were initially raised, Councillor Les Sharp confirmed the space was still a designated play park and would remain so until the planning application was determined.

He added "There is obviously strong local feelings regarding the potential loss of open space and play facility and as you will see from Clacksweb, there are numerous objections already submitted.

"From the plan that is attached to the application it covers the whole play park area and concerns have been raised regarding parking etc, these will no doubt be addressed when the application is considered."