The promoters behind the Airthrey Green development in Stirling, who submitted a formal planning application for its sustainable economic development in September 2014, have lodged a legal appeal against the adoption of the Stirling Council Local Development Plan (LDP).

The concerns by Graham’s The Family Dairy and Mactaggart & Mickel Homes over the LDP Examination conducted by the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals relate to the process followed on key issues and procedural inaccuracies.

Graham’s The Family Dairy and Mactaggart & Mickel Homes have been working with Stirling Council since 2010 with a view to developing land at Airthrey Kerse in Stirling to deliver much needed housing and infrastructure, while enabling the construction of a new dairy in Stirlingshire generating up to 400 jobs and 50 apprenticeships.

The ambitions for Airthrey Green are closely aligned to Stirling Council’s City Investment Plan and areas of concern relating to flood risk, drainage, landscape and transportationare being addressed.

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “To protect our legal position and investment plans we have had to lodge an appeal against adoption of the LDP due to concerns over the Scottish Government’s examination process.

“We remain committed to continuing to work with all parties concerned to resolve the matter swiftly and constructively, in order to focus on delivering sustainable investment in Stirling and creating local employment.

“Airthrey Green is a deliverable project that not only meets a shortfall in housing land requirements in the Stirling area, but enables the creation of a purpose-built dairy within Stirling at a capital expenditure of £20m. This would accommodate a new product development research facility and the creation of up to 450 jobs including local apprenticeships, supporting our existing workforce of almost 500 staff.” Ed Monaghan, managing director of Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, added: “The Airthrey Green development plan is focused on providing social and economic benefits while fulfilling a housing shortage which exists in Stirling. The LDP 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.” The proposals for Airthrey Green include: *The ability to finance a new dairy and food and research facility on a purpose-built location in Stirling *A public park with footpaths and cycle ways that will remain designated green belt *A flood alleviation scheme to address localised flooding and protect existing properties *A new single stream primary school for Causewayhead, that will reduce the need for children to travel to Riverside and create an education hub with the Wallace High secondary school and links to the University of Stirling *Improvement to the local road network, including a section of the Cornton to Bridge of Allan link road and enhanced public transport services in the locality *600 houses focused on delivering affordable housing, retirement properties market and self-build opportunities *A neighbouring centre with retail and leisure units, compatible with surrounding uses More information on the project and a copy of the application can be found via www.airthreygreenstirling.com.