INTRODUCTION

Falkirk context The team Falkirk Council’s £67 million Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) scheme is expected The TIF scheme is a significant new initiative brought forward by Falkirk Council, to bring in £413 million in private investment into the area, creating almost in partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust and aims 6,000 jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships. Under TIF, Council’s can fund to boost the area’s economy. infrastructure improvements by borrowing against future business rates that are generated from new development. The 25 year plan covers 28 development sites Business rates, normally allocated to Scottish Government, are ring fenced to across Falkirk and Grangemouth. Under the plan, links from the M9 motorway to fund the TIF programme, so none of the £67 million investment comes from the the development sites will be improved and 400,000 sqms of commercial and Council’s budget. industrial space created. Falkirk Council is investing in improving infrastructure provisions for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists around the district. This is in line with 5 their strategy to encourage more people to travel by bike or on foot for everyday journeys as well as improving accessibility to the town centre and green networks. 18 21

17 19 8 14 20 15 7 32 31 WSP is a large multi-disciplinary engineering 1 consultancy, and lead designer for this exciting 16 25 project. Our Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast offices 9 12 specialises in infrastructure schemes. We shall be 3 2 30 completing the structural designs for the highways, 10 22 structures and bridge, earthworks, pedestrian routes 1 3 and traffic signals. 4 5 6 13 2 4 11 D ethos design + architecture 23 EDA bring together over 20 years of experience in the design of buildings, masterplans and regeneration projects. We have specialist experience in hospitality, residential led development, mixed use masterplanning and development consultancy.

6 24 TIF Development Sites TIF Infrastructure Sites

1. Falkirk Wheel 8. Abbotsford Business Park 15. Earls Road 22. Wholeflats 1. M9 Junction 6, Earlsgate Signalisation – Nov 2013 (completed May 2014) 2. Tamfourhill 9. Falkirk Gateway 16. Wood Street 23. Gilston 2. Improvements to Westfield Roundabout and A904 –April 2021 3. Rosebank 10. Caledon Business Park 17. South Bridge Street 24. Whitecross 3. Icehouse Brae Upgrade – Oct 2020 4. Falkirk Town Centre 11. Callendar Business Park 18. Grangemouth Docks (Z3) 25. Kinneil Kerse 4. M9 Junction 5, Cadgers Brae Signalisation – Jan 2020 5. Williamson Street 12. Stadium Site 19. Grangemouth Docks (Z2) 30. Tillyflats 5. Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme – tbc 6. Callendar Road 13. Helix 20. Grangemouth Town Centre 31. INEOS Sites 6. A801 Avon Gorge Upgrade – tbc 7. Mungalend 14. Glensburgh 21. Grangemouth Docks (Z4) 32. Westmains

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture GREEN CORRIDORS AND ACTIVE TRAVEL ROUTES

Active travel Parks and open spaces are vital to the quality of the urban environment and the physical and mental health of its residents. They can also provide valuable wildlife habitat. They help to define a sense of place within settlements, contribute to their landscape structure and provide areas for recreation and physical exercise. Where linked into networks, parks and open spaces can be extremely valuable for active travel and can form corridors (green corridors) through which wildlife can migrate through the urban area. Green corridors, parks and open space are important places to be protected, cherished and enhanced. They take great effort to maintain, but give back so much to communities.

Falkirk district is lucky to have some wonderful open spaces, from areas including the John Muir Way to magnificent parks like The Helix, dominated by the world-famous Kelpies.

This project focuses on enhancing walking and cycling routes between Falkirk and Grangemouth, and improves links to Forth Valley College, The Helix and Falkirk Stadium and new developments.

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Path

Proposed route

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC FLOWS

With the neighbouring development sites and predicted future traffic, vehicular movements are expected to increase in the area by 25-30%. This necessitated a review of the current layout of Westfield Roundabout and Etna crossing facilities to manage future use. Roundabout

Some of the options considered are shown below and include improved M9 – Vehicles per hour facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. 3,800 (2019)

West Mains With circa 36,000 monthly non-motorised user (NMU) visitors to Helix Roundabout

Park, the bridge shall provide an important part of the works where safety Helix and connectivity are paramount. Park A9 – Vehicles per hour A904 – Vehicles per hour Access to the new College Campus, Falkirk Stadium, Helix Park and future 1,648 (2019) – spare capacity 2,240 (2019) – close to capacity development sites shall be by the bridge allowing for future growth and 1,912 (2022) (+16%) – spare capacity 2,350 (2022) (+5%) – at capacity providing a central hub for the green and active travel routes within 2,152 (2037) (+30%) – close to capacity 2,800 (2037) (+25%) – over capacity Falkirk and Grangemouth. Future Development Site Westfield Introduction of traffic signals and dedicated turning facilities and removal Roundabout A904 Pedestrians of uncontrolled crossings at the roundabout will provide improved traffic 150 per hour (2019 peak flow) flow and reduce queue lengths. A9 Pedestrians Falkirk Stadium 350 per hour (2019 match day peak flow)

Future Development Site

Existing crossing Existing underpass

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CURRENT LAYOUT: OPTIONSE CONSIDERED: PREFERRED OPTION:

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E E Uncontrolled crossings TrafficE signals with at-grade Traffic signals with bridge E

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crossingsE E

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existing roundabout presently, with, E an enlarged roundabout, with E

TrafficE signals introduced at an E

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instead, the nearby pedestrian crossing E pedestrian and cyclist crossings via

enlargedE roundabout, allowing E

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E and the underpass on the A904 north E E the new bridge.

pedestrianE and cyclist crossings over

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of the Stadium available to support E E

the roundaboutE entries and exits. E

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the crossings to Helix Park. Pedestrian E E

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movements from Falkirk to the E E

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Stadium site have no crossings, with E E

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• ProvidesE safer crossing facilities for E

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several ‘near-miss’ events witnessed E E

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pedestriansE and cyclists vs existing E

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as pedestrians try cross. This presents E E

layoutE by segregating vehicles and E

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safety and operational concerns during E E

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• ReducedE construction time and E

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match days. E E

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costE compared to bridge option E

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Advantages E • Quality walking routes for, E

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• Minimal delays outside peak hours E improving access to Helix Park, E

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• Driver delayE caused by frequent E

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• Minimal capital cost to leave ‘as-is’ E Stadium and the surrounding area E

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E • Road safety with vehicles and • More attractive routes to the new Disadvantages pedestrians on same roadspace development sites, likely to be • Uncontrolled crossings at busy • The pedestrian crossing stage built-out over the next five years junction uses up 10-25% of the vehicular • Very little capacity for growth or capacity, significantly reducing Disadvantages further economic development in the overall benefits of the • Greater cost compared to at-grade the area due to current peak time improvements works crossing option congestion • Longer construction period

A9 A904 Improvement Project D OPTION 4 - 2 lane circulatory, staggered crossings through splitter islands ethos design + architecture (Note: layout can be applied to 3 lane circulatory) THE DESIGN ITERATION – BRIDGE CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

A bridge structure has been identified as the most appropriate means of connecting the four corners of the Westfield Roundabout for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised users. A number of possible layouts for connecting the four sites were explored, both around and across the junction, with connectivity for users and material requirements used as a marker of suitability. Selecting the layout Initial arrangements used four straight bridges to connect the four corners of the roundabout. These separate structure arrangements were not considered to be user-friendly, with the risk that at-grade crossing of the junction would continue.

The initial layouts were developed to join the four separate structures, making the crossing more user-friendly. Arrangements across the roundabout were found to use considerably less material for an equivalent connectivity.

Curved decks were introduced to the layout. Towers at each end of a linear main span allowed cables to be used also to support the approach spans. This arrangement represented an efficient design solution, using approx. 33% less steel than a circular layout, with reduced travel distances for users. This layout was taken forward for further design development.

A cable stayed structural form was selected as the most appropriate for the selected layout. Inclined towers were found to be better suited to connecting cables with the curved approach spans.

Single and paired cable arrangements were explored, with single cables favoured due to reduced visual clutter and more unique application for a footbridge.

A vertical truss arrangement for the towers was found to give a robust response to cable loading with a striking visual impact.

Refining the concept

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture BRIDGE FINAL CONCEPT

An iconic bridge structure for Westfield Roundabout Linking the four quadrants to promote connectivity Access for all • Simple and elegant twin-mast structure in the form of a truss to • Unique plan layout gives direct access to all corners of the roundabout • Ramps are provided in addition to stairs at all four corners of the bridge reduce the weight of steel and associated carbon footprint • Helix Park and the football stadium attract large numbers of visitors who • The ramps are designed for inclusivity for all users and adhere to best • An efficient design incorporating an 80m centre span will benefit from a safe crossing of the A9 A904 practice and design standards for cyclists and wheelchair users • Single central line of cables on the deck gives a cleaner and more unique • Strong East/West connectivity will encourage sustainable travel along the • The ramp shape and supports mirror the main bridge structure aesthetic A904 corridor

Used for match days, weekend visitors, commuter traffic, night Lighting – functional and visually enhancing Promote sustainability – aspire to energy self-sufficiency time use • The lighting strategy includes handrail and recessed deck lighting and • The concept of a ‘self-powering’ bridge will be explored; energy efficient • Pedestrians and cyclists will share the 6m wide deck (3m either side of is designed to ensure safe and even illumination across the deck LED lighting plus the potential for energy generation in the structure central area), encouraging a heightened awareness of other users • Road lighting will be consistent with the surrounding approaches and • The bridge deck will house discreet drainage which will collect • To prevent bridge users colliding with the cables benches have been the bridge lighting will be designed as not distracting to road users rainwater and channel it to the development’s sustainable urban introduced, also offering rest points for users • Thematic lighting can be used to mark special events drainage system • Alternative materials which require less carbon in production and operation will be promoted where possible

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture HIGHWAYS – GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

Etna Road Roundabout Earls Gate Roundabout A9 Northbound

Controlled Crossing Bus Lay-by

West Mains Roundabout

M9

Controlled Bus Lay-by Crossing

Pedestrian and Cyclist Midthorn Underpass

Helix Park Gateway Roundabout

Laurieston Road

Bus Lay-by

Bus Lay-by Future Development Site

Middlefield Road Westfield Roundabout New Forth Valley College Campus Controlled Crossing Falkirk Stadium Controlled Crossing Bus Lay-by

Middlefield Road Ambulance Station Roundabout Future Development Site Controlled Crossing

Alexander Avenue Stadium Roundabout

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture HIGHWAYS WORKS

Carriageway Pedestrians and cyclists • Dual carriageway will reduce congestion and travel times • Segregated left turn lanes on 3 of the 4 arms at Westfield Pedestrian and cyclists form the cornerstone of the scheme and will be afforded a number of benefits: • Designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Roundabout will improve traffic flow Bridges appropriate for the urban environment • The existing carriageway will be utilised where possible to minimise • Connectivity throughout the • Improved safety through • Additional roundabouts will improve access to Middlefield construction time and limit disposal of material offsite scheme maintained and improved pedestrian/cyclist segregation Road, West Mains Road, Laurieston Road and proposed future • Bus lay-bys will allow public transport to continue to service • Provides links to the four from motorised traffic with development land amenities throughout the area without impeding traffic flow quadrants of land which contain integrated shallow drainage • Access maintained to all properties with existing connections to the Falkirk Stadium, Helix Park and features between the carriageway A904 and affected adjoining roads two future development sites and the shared-use pathways • Connections will be provided to • Grade separated pedestrian/ cyclist connectivity between Precedent images of carriageway features the wider area including the new Forth Valley College Campus, all quadrants of Westfield Earls Gate Roundabout and Green Roundabout Corridor • Pedestrian and cyclist routes to be • Suitable gradients and clear separated from the carriageway widths will be provided on all around Westfield Roundabout to pedestrian and cyclist routes to improve user-experience remote ensure they are suitable for all from motorised traffic users • Staggered signal controlled • Bus lay-bys proposed to retain crossings provided over the existing public transport links to dual carriageway allowing safe all amenities pedestrian/cyclist crossings • Improved safety of public • Midthorn underpass will be transport users by allowing upgraded to maintain existing busses to enter lay-bys before the grade separated connectivity Visualisation of northern stadium access Visualisation of West Mains Roundabout passengers board or alight between Helix Park and Falkirk Stadium

Precedent images of pedestrians and cyclist facilities

Visualisation of Middlefield Roundabout Visualisation of carriageway over Midthorn pedestrian underpass A9 staggered controlled crossing Shared use facility

Falkirk Helix Gateway Site Park

Verge Shared use Central Ditch Earthworks Verge Northbound Carriageway Southbound Carriageway Verge Earthworks cycleway / footway Reservation

Fenceline Existing Ground

Falkirk Falkirk Gateway Site Stadium

Dual 2 lane carriageway cross section Westfield Roundabout with signal controls Midthorn pedestrian underpass and segregated left turn lanes

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

The A9 A904 improvements and the Falkirk NGateway development shall introduce areas of new impermeable surface to the existing site. As a consequence, rainfall that would previously have been managed naturally within the site will drain away from these surfaces as Surface Water Runoff.

Surface Water Runoff, if not sustainably managed, may flood watercourses and transport pollutants and suspended solids.

These areas of Helix Park are to be landscaped to become areas of flood attenuation.

Designed to manage surface water runoff from storm surges these areas will have capacity to hold flood waters while they drain to watercourses at a controlled rate.

When not managing flood waters these areas will become wetland, providing additional treatment to Surface Water Runoff and providing more natural habitat to Helix Park.

The A9 A904 improvements will introduce areas to attenuate Surface Water Runoff so it can be released at a natural rate to watercourses. Additionally, Surface Water Runoff will be collected using Sustainable Drainage components which will provide Pollution Risk mitigation at source.

Vegetated ditches to Surface Water Runoff drains Grassed convey and attenuate from channel to ditch channel A detention basin will be constructed Surface Water Runoff intermittently (Swale) here to hold back storm surge Surface Water volumes so it can be drained at a controlled rate. For the majority of time the basin will be a dry landscaped area.

Capacity Treatment New roadside features and ditches Surface Water Runoff will be collected via grassed shall be designed with some storage channels beside the road (Swales), filter drains or a capacity and shall encourage the combination of the two (Dry Swales). These features will: slow conveyance of Surface Water • Force the majority of suspended solids out of the runoff Runoff. This additional capacity • Provide some vegetative treatment to any hydrocarbons will hold back short duration storm (oil and fuel) in the runoff surge flood waters. • Filter out heavy metals and salts in the runoff

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Environmental Considerations Town Planning Town planning Archaeology and culturalEcology heritage Ecology Noise There areThere a arenumber a number of development of development zones zones (DZ) (DZ)adjacent to theThe A9 development/A904 Improvement area has largely been disturbed A high-level ecological constraints walkover of land There are a number of noise sensitive receptors adjacent to the A9 A904 improvements, including: previously, removing the opportunityA high-level for ecological constraints adjacentwalkover ofto land Westfield adjacent Roundabout to Westfield Roundaboutundertaken undertaken in within the vicinity (Forth Valley College – to the north Works – including, retail/commercial development sites, education facilities and housing sites. • retail / commercial development sites archaeological assets to remain.in 2015 Due and to again the in 2019 did not 2015record and any again evidence in 2019 of any did protected not record species evidence. However, of it wasof the A904), Little Stars Nursery (within Falkirk Consideration• education of the facilities‘land take’ requirements for the footbridge accessflat routes nature is fundamentalof the site, with consideredthe combination that habitats of and the anyvegetation protected structure species. provide opportunities for nesting birds. AStadium), Grahamston House Nursing Home (1500m to a successful• housing design sites without compromising the viability of the DZ’s.landscaping,A Screening there Req uestis potential number to rule of matureout any trees were observed during the walkover and it is recommended that, shouldto the west of the A9), residential properties south of has been submitted to Falkirk Council to determine whether theresignificant would be a readversequirement impacts tree on fellingthe setting be req uiredof a to accommodateThe final the proposed landscaping scheme, scheme a bat habitatwill incorporate suitability assessment the A904 and west of the A9). for an EnvironmentalA Screening RequestImpact Assessment has been submitted to accompany to Falkirk a formal Planningnumber Application of nearby. statutory(HSA) protected is undertaken assets, of trees (innative line withspecies Hundt which 2012) provide. Following the this,maximum dedicated bat roost Council to determine whether there would be a including the Forth and Clyde Canal (SM6768) ecological benefits to the site and the surrounding Noise monitoring will be undertaken at various Archaeology and cultural heritage surveys may be required to qualify presence in this regard. The presence of a bat roost would requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment to the north, but also the Antoninerepresent Wall a material (SM8829) constraint toarea. development and may need provision of a licence to allowlocations to inform whether any further mitigation is to accompany a formal Planning Application. and World Heritage Site alongside Callendar Park required to be incorporated into the final design. Previous map regression highlights a number of areas along the length of the A9 to the disturbance associated with the proposed development. Garden and Designed Landscape to the south-west. northwest of the Westfield Roundabout which have remained undeveloped since at least the first A Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) will be undertaken to inform the development of any edition Ordnance Survey mapping (1843-1882). The potential for previously unknown potential for impact on a European protected site. The impacts which may necessitate a archaeological remains to survive sub-surface within these areas adjacent to the current A9, consideration of impacts upon European protected sites include increased recreational pressure north of the Westfield Roundabout was confirmed during the site visit. Due to the natural from, for example, new housing development, discharges into watercourses, noise, air or light topography of the area earmarked for development, there is the potential to rule out any pollution and disturbance of species or habitats. The HRA will form part of the consents process to significant adverse Setting impacts on a number of nearby statutory protected assets including identify any impacts which pose a risk of degradation or disturbance to habitats for which a site is the Forth and Clyde Canal (SM6768) to the north, but also the Antonine Wall (SM8829) designated. The results of the HRA should then identify any further survey works that may be required (for example, Phase 1 Habitat Survey) and will enable mitigation measures to be identified and World Heritage Site alongside Callendar Park Garden and Designed Landscape to the and included into the overall scheme south-west.

LegendLegend ! ! ! ! Indicative Scheme Extent

1km Buffer

! ! ! ! ! ! 5km Buffer Ramsar Site - Wetland of International Importance

Earls Gate Special Protection Area Roundabout Special Area of Conservation West Mains Site of Special Scientific Industrial Estate Interest World Heritage Site Falkirk Helix Gateway Site Park Garden and Designed West Mains Landscapes Westfield Roundabout Conservation Area Roundabout New Forth Scheduled Monument Valley College Falkirk Listed Building Stadium ! ! Air Quality Management Area (2018) Fire ! ! ! Amblulance Station Station ! ! ! National Scenic Area

Falkirk Local Nature Reserve ! ! ! ! ! Gateway Site ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! National Nature Reserve Alexander Avenue Country Park Falkirk Green Network

Core Paths Major Hazard Consultation Zone Greenbelt

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture

¡ Discharges into watercourses. Early engagement of Statutory Consultees such as Historic Environment Scotland and the Falkirk Community Trust should be sought with respect to the potential for sub-sur- ¡ Noise, air or light pollution. face archaeology to be present along areas of the current A9 at Helix Park. However, suitable mitigation in advance of construction will likely mitigate against these impacts. ¡ Disturbance of species or habitats.

1.1.3. Ecology The HRA will form part of the consents process to identify any impacts which pose a risk of degradation or disturbance to habitats for which a site is designated. The results of the A high-level ecological constraints walkover of land adjacent to Westfield Roundabout un- HRA should then identify any further survey works that may be required (for example, dertaken in 2015 did not record any evidence of any protected species. However, it was Phase 1 Habitat Survey) and will enable mitigation measures to be identified and included into the overall scheme considered that habitats and the vegetation structure provide opportunities for nesting birds. In the event that trees/vegetation is required to be felled to accommodate the pro- posed scheme, this should be undertaken outwith the breeding bird season (recognised as between March-August inclusive). If this is not possible it will be necessary for a Suit- ably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) to perform a pre-felling/clearing inspection of vegetation in search of nesting birds. In the event nesting birds are found the SQE will enact an exclu- sion buffer (the distance dependent on the species present) within which no works can take place. Only once the nest has become inactive (i.e. eggs have hatched and chicks fledged the nest) can the exclusion buffer be removed and works proceed.

A number of mature trees were observed during the walkover and it is recommended that, should tree felling be required to accommodate the proposed scheme, a bat habitat suitability assessment (HSA) is undertaken of trees (in line with Hundt 2012). Following this, dedicated bat roost surveys may be required to qualify presence in this regard. The presence of a bat roost would represent a material constraint to development and may need provision of a licence to allow disturbance associated with the proposed develop- ment.

A Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) will be undertaken to inform the development of any potential for impact on a European protected site. European designated sites, such as Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and RAMSAR Sites are afforded protection in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations).

The impacts which may necessitate a consideration of impacts upon European protected sites include:

¡ Increased recreational pressure from, for example, new housing development.

¡ Discharges into watercourses.

¡ Noise, air or light pollution.

¡ Disturbance of species or habitats.

The HRA will form part of the consents process to identify any impacts which pose a risk of degradation or disturbance to habitats for which a site is designated. The results of the HRA should then identify any further survey works that may be required (for example, Phase 1 Habitat Survey) and will enable mitigation measures to be identified and included into the overall scheme. LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Design overview N The landscape proposals for the A9 A904 improvements aim to improve Retain and strengthen the landscape within the road curtilage, integrating with existing the existing green infrastructure and providing a consistent approach planting across the scheme. Landscape design objectives: • To create a high-quality landscape design which reflects and enhances Proposed woodland A the existing green infrastructure along the boundaries of the site planting • To develop a coherent and recognisable landscape character for the site, which appropriately reflects the scale of the proposals and Proposed successfully integrates with the adjacent landuses paths to tie • To create an environment which visibly improves the links between the into existing site, park, football stadium and the town routes

The relationship with Helix Park is a key part of the scheme. A new C The south east corner of the park will be remodelled by the earthworks southern boundary to the park will be created as well as a new entrance relating to the road improvements. Access will be retained through a via the footbridge ramp. The proposed tree and plant species will rising ramp up to the road level. A proposed hedgerow along the path reflect the thriving species within the park to ensure consistency and edge parallel to the road, and woodland edge planting will retain the integration. New native hedgerows and woodland edge planting will quieter, treed character of this part of the park. provide a coherent edge treatment.

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A A9 Road Grass verge Proposed for drainage native hedge boundary Proposed landform to A tie into existing ditch Helix park existing vegetation retained

A9 at western edge of Helix Park C C A904 Road Helix park existing Proposed native Pedestrian and Grass verge for vegetation retained hedge boundary cycle path drainage and services Proposed landform and ditch to tie in to existing park edge A904 at southern boundary of Helix Park

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B Proposed shrub planting Existing pavement/ Existing residential on new embankment access road neighbourhood

CI NG RCULA GE GROU Proposed roundabout at A904 and Middlefield Road AVI R P ED ND C TE P ATT AND OV NI ERN DL ER RA S OO G The hard landscape design will include pedestrian paths, W

CO N access and congregation space relating to the footbridge S LT G TR R S U A E T C H G N T P A E U S T ramps, and areas within the road including central A M R IO K A D L E N N L S A S L B H P R O A reservations and roundabouts. Key spaces are those that lie M R C E U T E B O S Entrance space H reflecting within Helix Park. An understanding of the material palettes

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The plants chosen will be largely native species, reflecting those W The current Helix Park access at the Westfield Roundabout W T I S A F L E Y O within Helix Park and within the wider area. Planting will include D G F S C R IN D H E will be closed up with the new bridge circular ramp access at D N E V E A R N R D R R hedgerows, woodland, specimen trees, shrubs, wildflower grass Y W A O this south west corner. Potential for Helix Park signage will be H M

mixes along ditches and wider verges, and grass verges. Proposed

retained near the road edge and hedgerows will be set back S E GE NT DS SLI ER RA UN hedgerows will provide a continuous green corridor along the Park VER S V NCE MO LIM RAS to observe visibility splays and frame the corner of the park. A S SOFT E ONG G edges and beyond which will have multiple benefits from both landscape L circular paved area matching the circumference of the ramp design and ecological aspects. will provide a large congregation and circulation space.

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

How do I find out when the planning application has been submitted? Pre-application consultation plus a Design and Access Following this consultation event, there will be a period of time when comments raised Statement for national and major developments. September 2019 are reviewed and the design elements of the scheme are finalised. Once all the supporting Design statement for some local developments documents and technical drawings have been completed, an application will be made to Falkirk Council – currently expected in early 2020.

When Falkirk Council receives the formal Planning Application, consultation will be undertaken which will include notifying local residents what is proposed, by sending them Anticipated a notice. This notice tells them about the development and how, and by when, to make comments. Submission of an Application January 2020 As the application would fall within the ‘Major’ Application category, it will be advertised in a local newspaper. Falkirk Council also put information about applications on a register and sends the list to Community Councils. All documents and progress of the application will be accessible on Falkirk Council’s Planning website. 21 days statutory consultation Consultation period allowing public comments Can I make a comment on the planning application? to be submitted on the scheme Anyone can comment on applications for planning permission, including neighbours and people who are most directly affected by the proposal, but also the wider community who may not be directly affected but have views on a proposal which might constitute a material consideration. You can make comments by writing to Falkirk Council or submitting comments online at Falkirk Council’s website. Within 13 weeks of submission Determination and of the Planning Application How will the decision on the planning application be made? issue of Decision Notice (anticipated March/April 2020) Major Planning Applications are likely to be decided by Councillors at Planning Committee, with the Officers of the Council providing a written report providing a recommendation for the decision.

In all cases the council must make decisions in line with the Development Plan (the package of national and local planning policies which control development) unless ‘material Detailed Design Completed November 2020 considerations’ justify going against the plan. A material consideration is a matter that should be taken into account in deciding planning applications. Material considerations can include (but are not limited to): • Overlooking/loss of privacy • Layout and density of building • Loss of light or overshadowing • Design, appearance and materials • Parking • Government policy • Highway safety • Disabled persons’ access Procurement April 2021 • Traffic • Proposals in the Development Plan • Noise • Previous planning decisions (including • Effect on listed building and appeal decisions) conservation area • Nature conservation

When making a decision about an application, the council can: • Grant planning permission without conditions; Construction Commence April 2021 • Grant planning permission with conditions; or • Refuse planning permission.

Councils should usually make decisions on major development within four months.

Construction Completed 2024 For further information or to provide written representations, please send responses to: [email protected]

A9 A904 Improvement Project D ethos design + architecture