Callendar Square Neighbourhood Improvement Plan - Falkirk Council

Callendar
Square
Neighbourhood
Improvement
Plan
Falkirk Council
Corporate &
Neighbourhood Services
2010-2011
Page 1 of 34

CONTENTS
CALLENDAR SQUARE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
Page No.
1. Introduction 3 - 10
2. Review of Previous Plan 11 - 13
3. Council House Stock Information 14 - 17
4. Review of Performance 18- 21
5. Consultation with Stakeholders 22
6. Investment Programme 2010-2011 23– 31
7. Strategic Context 32 - 33
8. List of Appendices 34
Page 2 of 34

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Neighbourhood Plan covers the period 2010 – 2011 and sets out our priorities for
action during the year ahead. This document reflects the strategic priorities for the
Council and the local priorities for improvement in the area which have been identified
through consultation with the local community and the local Councillors.
We are keen to encourage tenant and resident participation as we recognise the
importance of involving people at a local level. This local participation helps us to
continue to improve the housing provision and estate management in the Falkirk area.
The following sections of this Neighbourhood Plan set out the issues that we want to
address and the way that we intend to improve housing and estate management in the
year ahead.
1.2 Meet the Falkirk Team
Margaret Wilson
Neighbourhood Manager
Linda Wishart Joy Lear
Senior Neighbourhood Officer Senior Neighbourhood Officer
Page 3 of 34

Karen Grant Pauline Fotheringham
Neighbourhood Officer Neighbourhood Officer
Anne Slessor Charlene Syme
Neighbourhood Officer Neighbourhood Officer
Joanne Haston Colin Smith
Neighbourhood Officer Neighbourhood Officer
Page 4 of 34

Linda Rogers Sarah Dalrymple
Neighbourhood Officer Neighbourhood Officer
Lee Kirk Michelle Irvine
Administration Officer Clerical Officer
Elaine McDonald Ross Curwood
Clerical Officer Clerical Assistant
Page 5 of 34

1.3 Geographic Context & GIS Maps
Kelly McDermott
Clerical Assistant
The Falkirk Neighbourhood Office is based within Callendar Square Shopping Centre
which is situated in Falkirk Town Centre and manages 3,592 Council houses. The area
covered by the office runs from Limerigg in the Braes area to the Low Bog in Falkirk.
The following areas are covered by the Falkirk Neighbourhood Office:
Avonbridge;
California;
Falkirk;
Glen Village;
Hallglen;
Laurieston;
Limerigg;
Polmont St Margaret’s;
Shieldhill;
Slamannan;
Standburn;
Westquarter.
The Falkirk Area Housing stock is divided into ‘Patches’. These patches are clusters of
properties in a defined area of around four hundred Council houses. In these patches
there are mixed tenures of owner occupiers and Registered Social Landlords forming
small communities, for which the Falkirk Area Housing staff undertake a number of
duties. These include maintaining standards in estate management; ensuring the
adherence to tenancy conditions; and allocation of houses. See attached Maps
(Appendix 1).
1.4 See overleaf.
Page 6 of 34

1.4 Councillor Information
The area which forms part of Ward 6 (Falkirk North) is served by the following Elected
Members:
The/
Cllr David Alexander Cllr Craig R Martin
3 James Street 27 North Main Street
Falkirk FK2 7HT Carronshore, Falkirk FK2 8HW
Tel: 01324 634628 Tel: 01324 558304
david.alexander@falkirk.gov.uk craigr.martin@falkirk.gov.uk
Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn Cllr Pat Reid (Provost)
3 Castings Drive 10 Braeview
Falkirk FK2 7BN Laurieston, Falkirk FK12 9QB
Tel: 01324 638156 Tel: 01324 628379
ceceil.meiklejohn@falkirk.gov.uk pat.reid@falkirk.gov.uk
Page 7 of 34

1.4
Cont
The area which forms part of Ward 7 (Falkirk South) is served by the following Elected
Members:
The/
Cllr G Goldie Cllr J Lemetti
16 Carmuirs Street 46 Sunnyside Street
Camelon, Falkirk FK1 4PZ Camelon, Falkirk FK1 4BH
Tel: 01324 623184 Tel: 01324 626164
gerry.goldie@falkirk.gov.uk joe.lemetti@falkirk.gov.uk
Cllr John Patrick Cllr Georgie Thomson
Clairmont 34A East Bridge Street
11 Gartcows Crescent Falkirk FK1 1YB
Falkirk FK1 5HQ Tel: 01324 506169
Tel: 01324 627060 georgie.thomson@falkirk.gov.uk
john.patrick@falkirk.gov.uk
Page 8 of 34

1.4
Cont
The area which forms part of Ward 9 (Upper Braes) is served by the following Elected
Members:
The/
Cllr John McLuckie Cllr Stephen Fry
30 Balquatstone Crescent 39A Church Road
Slamannan, Falkirk FK1 3HQ California, Falkirk FK1 2BD
Tel. 01324 851668 Tel. 01324 715704
john.mcluckie@falkirk.gov.uk stephen.fry@falkirk.gov.uk
Cllr Gordon Hughes
37 Brechin Drive
Polmont, Falkirk FK2 0YH
Tel. 01324 883329
gordon.hughes@falkirk.gov.uk
Page 9 of 34

1.4
Cont
The area which forms part of Ward 8 (Lower Braes) is served by the following Elected
Members:
Cllr Steven Jackson Cllr Malcolm Nicol
1 Kennard Road 7 Smiddy Brae
Reddingmuirhead FK2 0HH Polmont, Falkirk FK2 0XZ
Tel. 01324 714430 Tel. 01324 719399
steven.jackson@falkirk.gov.uk malcolm.nicol@falkirk.gov.uk
Cllr Alan Nimmo
27 Grangeburn Road
Grangemouth FK3 9AA
Tel. 01324 485261
alan.nimmo@falkirk.gov.uk
Page 10 of 34

2. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS PLAN
2.1 Our investment priorities focussed on the need to meet the Scottish Housing Quality
Standard as set by the Scottish Government.
In addition to the need to ensure our houses meet the quality standard, the Service also
has a commitment to improve its estates. The following improvements were carried out
in the area during 2009/10:
2.2 Tenants’ Groups
Belmont Tower, Falkirk – Overcladding;
Braeside, Crossbrae, Shieldhill – Re-roofing & Re-roughcasting;
Inchkeith Place, Hallglen – Re-roughcasting;
Suilven Heights, Laurieston – Roofing & Guttering Repairs.
Work in liaison with Tenant Participation Co-ordinator to develop twice yearly
newsletter;
Promote Tenant Participation at office reception area by use of leaflets and
posters;
Ensure that all residents are involved in, and consulted on, housing related
issues, ie proposed investment works;
Develop varying means of consultation, ie newsletters and information leaflets,
open days, consultation register, postal/ door step surveys etc;
Continue to have regular meetings with Tenants and Residents Associations.
Breton & Corentin Court Residents Association
Page 11 of 34

2.3 Community Safety Team
The Community Safety Team is the result of a merger between the Community
Warden Service and the Environmental Enforcement Team;
The service provided is Falkirk Council wide and the team will have a dual role
combining both the community engagement and support role together with
enforcement powers which can be utilised where necessary.
2.4 Conflict Resolution Service
2.5/
The Conflict Resolution Service has council-wide responsibility for tackling antisocial
behaviour as a core service within Falkirk Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Strategy. The
service provides assistance in identifying good practices and innovative approaches for
managing antisocial behaviour nationally and locally, and provides local partner
agencies with knowledge, support and guidance on the application of antisocial
behaviour legislation.
Whilst the Conflict Resolution Service is currently based within Corporate &
Neighbourhood Services (Housing), their responsibility for tackling antisocial behaviour
crosses all tenure types including Falkirk Council tenants, tenants of Registered Social
Landlords, tenants of Private Sector landlords and Owner Occupiers on mixed tenure
estates. The service is involved in tackling antisocial behaviour at varying levels
following the national model of prevention, early intervention, enforcement and
rehabilitation and the current principles of tackling antisocial behaviour through
prevention, integration of services, engagement with communities and communication
through participation. The service works in partnership with agencies including Central
Scotland Police, other council services, various private and voluntary sector
services/agencies and the communities of Falkirk Council to apply these principles
effectively.
The partnership forums, Neighbourhood Action Groups, are led by the Conflict
Resolution Service with the support of the local Neighbourhood Office. The
Neighbourhood Action Groups in each of the seven Neighbourhood Office areas
consists of partners & community representatives involved in tackling antisocial
behaviour and wider community safety issues. These local partnership forums focus on
local antisocial behaviour and community safety issues and provide for a joint approach
to problem solving making best use of resources amongst the partnership with a focus
on common goals and shared outcomes.
Within the context of Neighbourhood Action Plans, the service provides support to
frontline officers by offering training, guidance, advice and co-ordinating/supporting
cross-service joint working arrangements to tackle antisocial behaviour effectively with
partner service/agencies. As part of effective and early intervention in tackling antisocial
behaviour, the Conflict Resolution Service offers a Mediation Service and is solely
responsible for administering the good practice tool “Acceptable Behaviour Agreements”
in the Falkirk Council area. In extreme cases of antisocial behaviour, the Conflict
Resolution Service has council-wide and cross-partner responsibility for enforcement
against and reviewing support to offenders with a view to rehabilitation. In addition, the
Conflict Resolution Services assists in providing information on antisocial behaviour to
assist Neighbourhood Managers to target resources more effectively, and will assist in
establishing new, or supporting existing, initiatives for tackling antisocial behaviour.
Page 12 of 34

2.5 Investors in People (IIP)
The Housing Division of Corporate & Neighbourhood Services gained Investors in
People accreditation in December 2009. This is external recognition which shows the
commitment that the service has to its staff and the desire to ensure continuous
improvement throughout the service.
Page 13 of 34

3. COUNCIL HOUSE STOCK INFORMATION
3.1 a
Stock by Bedroom Size
SUB AREA
1
BEDROOM
2
BEDROOM
3
BEDROOM
4
BEDROOM
5
BEDROOM
California
15
25
53
3
96
Callendar Park 183 308 491
Furnished Falkirk 1 7 8
Glen Village 9 34 14 3 60
Hallglen Phase 1 3 88 15 5 111
Hallglen Phase 3 12 232 65 1 310
High Bog 30 35 6 71
Kemper Avenue/ Glenbrae 112 203 7 322
Laurieston 76 163 93 6 338
Limerigg 3 17 16 4 40
Low Bog 11 129 175 19 334
Middlefield 36 80 36 152
Polmont St Margaret’s 10 21 23 54
Shieldhill 15 81 91 8 195
Slamannan 41 112 143 5 301
St John’s 20 17 9 2 48
Standburn/ Avonbridge 12 81 69 7 169
Thornhill 19 123 26 168
Town Centre/ Hawley Road 10 30 7 1 48
Westquarter 12 147 100 16 1 276
Total 600 1,928 977 86 1 3,592
TOTAL
Page 14 of 34

3.1 b
Stock by House Type
SUB AREA BUNGALOW COTTAGE
TYPE
FLAT
FIRST
FLOOR &
ABOVE
FLAT
GROUND
FLOOR
ONLY
FURNISHED
ACCOMM.
HOUSING
WITH CARE
LOWER
FLAT –
4 IN
BLOCK
MULTI
STOREY
UPPER
FLAT –
4 IN
BLOCK
California
7
65
6
5
8
5 96
Callendar Park 1 490 491
Furnished Falkirk 1 7 8
Glen Village 5 31 13 11 60
Hallglen Phase 1 3 47 38 23 111
Hallglen Phase 3 12 139 105 54 310
High Bog
Kemper Avenue/
42 17 12 71
Glenbrae
7
85
230
322
Laurieston 6 141 31 27 31 49 53 338
Limerigg 37 1 2 40
Low Bog 4 119 83 39 2 48 39 334
Middlefield
Polmont St
4 39 18 20 35 36 152
Margaret’s
10
44
54
Shieldhill 3 151 2 1 21 17 195
Slamannan 5 206 21 16 27 26 301
St John’s
Standburn/
7 14 10 12 5 48
Avonbridge
21 114
2
1
15
16 169
Thornhill
Town Centre/
2 15 17 12 67 55 168
Hawley Road
6
1
1
24
16 48
Westquarter 15 152 55 54 276
Total 104 1,369 336 213 9 117 384 720 340 3,592
TOTAL
Page 15 of 34

3.2 Local Lettings Initiative
Traditionally, the high rise blocks within central Falkirk have been let to a more
mature client group. This has proved to be very popular and successful in creating a
supportive community and environment for residents. Given the continued success
and popularity of this specific lettings initiative, Falkirk Council remains committed to
maintaining this practice as new vacancies arise within the blocks.
3.3 Active Turnover of Council Housing Stock 2008-2009
Sub Area Stock Lets Turnover
California 96 4 4%
Callendar Park 491 30 6%
Furnished Falkirk 8 1 13%
Glen Village 60 2 3%
Hallglen Phase 1 111 5 5%
Hallglen Phase 3 310 18 6%
High Bog 71 1 1%
Kemper Avenue/ Glenbrae 322 13 4%
Laurieston 338 8 2%
Limerigg 40 4 10%
Low Bog 334 18 5%
Middlefield 152 5 3%
Polmont St Margaret’s 54 3 6%
Shieldhill 195 6 3%
Slamannan 301 25 8%
St John’s 48 4 8%
Standburn/ Avonbridge 169 17 10%
Thornhill 168 3 2%
Town Centre/ Hawley Road 48 2 4%
Westquarter 276 5 2%
Falkirk 3,592 174 5%
Falkirk Council Area 16,396 871 5%
Turnover for Falkirk was the same at 5% for the Falkirk area as a whole;
The sub area with the highest turnover was furnished Falkirk at 13% and 10%
for Limerigg and Standburn/ Avonbridge. The sub area with the lowest
turnover was High Bog at 1%.
3.4 Void Management System
A single void team has been introduced to ensure consistency and accountability.
Challenging performance targets have been set for every function within the process
to increase efficiency and turnaround times.
A total of 208 properties were vacant between 2008-2009. This equates to 6% of
Falkirk area’s total stock. The areas with the largest proportion of voids were
Callendar Park with 39 and Slamannan with 26 void properties, respectively.
Number/
Page 16 of 34

Number of Properties becoming vacant during 2008-2009
Sub Area
Stock No. Voids Void Rate
Callendar Park 491 39 8%
Hallglen Phase 1 111 10 9%
Hallglen Phase 3 310 24 8%
Glen Village 60 3 5%
High Bog 71 2 3%
Low Bog 334 17 5%
Thornhill 168 6 4%
St John’s 48 5 10%
Slamannan 301 26 9%
Limerigg 40 5 13%
Shieldhill 195 7 4%
California 96 4 4%
Laurieston 338 12 4%
Westquarter 276 9 3%
Polmont St Margaret’s 54 2 4%
Kemper Avenue/ Glenbrae 322 11 3%
Town Centre/ Hawley Road 48 2 4%
Middlefield 152 7 5%
Standburn/ Avonbridge 169 17 10%
Falkirk 3,584 208 6%
Falkirk Area 16,396 1,041 6%
3.5 Allocations by Applicant Type 2008-2009
Area Homeless Transfer Waiting
List
Total
Callendar Park
21
6
3
30
Hallglen Phase 1 2 3 5
Hallglen Phase 3 13 1 4 18
Glen Village 2 2
High Bog 1 1
Low Bog 14 1 3 18
Thornhill 3 3
St John’s 3 1 4
Furnished Falkirk 1 1
Slamannan 18 1 6 25
Limerigg 2 1 1 4
Shieldhill 2 2 2 6
California 2 2 4
Laurieston 5 1 2 8
Westquarter 1 4 5
Polmont St Margaret’s 1 1 1 3
Kemper Avenue/
Glenbrae
6 1 6 13
Town Centre/ Hawley
Road
0 1 1 2
Middlefield 5 5
Standburn/ Avonbridge 13 2 2 17
Total 115 21 38 174
Page 17 of 34

4.
4.1 Lets
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE
In line with the 2008/09 Allocations Policy, the majority of allocations at 66%
were to homeless applicants, 22% were to waiting list applicants and 12% to
transfer applicants;
The majority of allocations were in Slamannan at 14% of all lets and the
smallest number was Glen Village, High Bog and Town Centre/ Hawley
Road with 1% of all lets.
“Homespot” is the Council’s new Allocations Policy introduced in January
2010. Applicants for housing are now divided into three groups:
Homeseekers, Homemovers and Homestarters. Vacant properties are then
allocated on the basis that 50% will be awarded to Homeseekers, with 25%
each allocated to Homestarters and Homemovers.
4.2 Tenancy Sustainment
Percentage of Properties Not Sustained for 12 months for Properties Let in 2007-2008
Area No Lets No Lets Not Sustainment
Sustained
Rate
F057 Callendar Park 38 2 5.3%
F061 Hallglen Phase 3 21 4 19.0%
F071 Low Bog 9 1 11.1%
F128 Slamannan 24 2 8.3%
F162 Shieldhill 7 1 14.3%
F167 Laurieston 18 2 11.1%
F184 Westquarter 14 1 7.1%
F204 Standburn/
Avonbridge
16 3 18.8%
Falkirk 147 16 11%
Falkirk Council Area 1,098 99 9.0%
The percentage of applicants not sustaining their tenancy for at least 12
months in Falkirk was slightly higher at 11% than the Falkirk area as a whole
at 9%;
The sub area with the highest percentage of tenancy failures was Hallglen at
19% and Standburn/ Avonbridge at 18.8%;
Single parent families with children under 17 are the household type most
likely to fail their tenancy.
4.3 Average Number of People on the Waiting List
Area Sub Area Total
F057 Callendar Park 283
F059 Hallglen Phase 1 641
F061 Hallglen Phase 3 564
F062 Glen Village 513
F068 High Bog 841
F071 Low Bog 686
F075 Thornhill 684
F076 St John’s 728
F111 Furnished Falkirk 220
F128 Slamannan 114
F129 Limerigg 69
Page 18 of 34

Area Sub Area Total
F162 Shieldhill 319
F163 California 271
F167 Laurieston 845
F184 Westquarter 356
F196 Polmont St Margaret’s 702
F201 Kemper Avenue/ Glenbrae 247
F202 Town Centre/ Hawley Road 1,101
F203 Middlefield 1,166
F204 Standburn/ Avonbridge 159
Falkirk Average 540
Falkirk Area Average 431
There was a higher than average number of people on the waiting list for
Falkirk at 540 people compared to 431 people for the Falkirk area as a
whole;
The sub area with the lowest average number of people on the waiting list
was Limerigg at 69 people, and the sub area with the highest average
number was Middlefield at 1,166 people.
4.4 Abandonment Rate 2008-2009
Area Stock No.
Abandonment
Abandonments
Rate
Hallglen Phase 3 310 3 1.0%
Thornhill 168 1 0.6%
Slamannan 301 1 0.3%
Limerigg 40 2 5.0%
California 96 2 2.1%
Middlefield 152 2 1.3%
Standburn/ Avonbridge 169 3 1.8%
Falkirk 3,592 14 0.4%
Falkirk Area 16,396 78 0.5%
Falkirk had a slightly lower abandonment rate at 0.4% compared to the
Falkirk area as a whole at 0.5%;
Limerigg had the highest abandonment rate at 5%.
4.5 Evictions 2008-2009
Area Sub Area Total
F061 Hallglen Phase 3 5
F062 Glen Village 1
F071 Low Bog 3
F128 Slamannan 1
F162 Shieldhill 1
F184 Westquarter 1
F203 Middlefield 1
F204 Standburn/ Avonbridge 3
Total 16
There were 16 evictions in total in Falkirk in 2008-2009;
The majority of evictions were in Hallglen 3, at 5 in total.
Page 19 of 34

4.6 Refusal Rate 2008-2009
Sub Area Stock No 3+
Refusal
Refusals
Rates
Laurieston 338 1 0.3%
Limerigg 40 2 5.0%
Polmont St Margaret’s 54 1 1.9%
Shieldhill 195 1 0.5%
Slamannan 301 1 0.3%
Standburn/ Avonbridge 169 1 0.6%
Westquarter 276 2 0.7%
Falkirk 3,592 9 0.3%
Falkirk Area 16,396 50 0.3%
The refusal rate for Falkirk was the same as the Falkirk area as a whole at
0.3%;
Limerigg had the highest refusal rate at 5%.
4.7 Void Relet Performance
Average Days
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Apr-
09
Void Relet times April-December 2009 Callendar
May-
09
Jun-
09
Jul-
09
4.8 House Sales – up to April 2009
Aug-
09
Month
Sep-
09
Oct-
09
Nov-
09
Dec-
09
Callendar Square
Falkirk Council
Target
Area Sub Area No. %
FO57 Callendar Park
100
3%
F059 Hallglen Phase 1 248 7%
F061 Hallglen Phase 3 289 8%
F062 Glen Village 100 3%
F068 High Bog 127 4%
F071 Low Bog 416 12%
F075 Thornhill 157 5%
F076 St John’s 86 2%
F128 Slamannan 149 4%
F129 Limerigg 14 0%
F162 Shieldhill 223 6%
F163 California 98 3%
F167 Laurieston 525 15%
F184 Westquarter 196 6%
Page 20 of 34

Area Sub Area No. %
F196 Polmont St Margaret’s 98 3%
F201 Kemper Avenue/ Glenbrae 103 3%
F202 Town Centre/ Hawley Road 102 3%
F203 Middlefield 339 10%
F204 Standburn/ Avonbridge 110 3%
Total 3,480 100%
Falkirk Council Total 16,719 21%
There has been a 49% reduction in RTB sales between 2009-2010 in
Falkirk;
The majority of RTB sales have been in Laurieston at 15% of sales.
Page 21 of 34

5.
CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS
5.1 Action Plan
Issue Proposed Action Target Lead Officer
Tenants &
Residents’
Groups
Continue to attend regular
meetings with Tenant &
Resident Groups.
Hallglen Heroes Neighbourhood Officer will
continue to attend weekly
meetings with Hallglen Heroes
Estate
Management
Tackle fly tipping
in Limerigg
Tackle untidy
gardens in
Blinkbonnie
Road,
Slamannan
and the Community Group.
Regular estate walkabouts by
Neighbourhood Officers to
identify untidy gardens, fly
tipping and overgrown areas.
Work in partnership with the
Forestry Commission to tackle
fly tipping in Limerigg.
Corporate & Neighbourhood
Services will provide skips to
allow residents to clear rubbish
out their garden ground, etc.
Neighbourhood Officer will do
regular walkabouts in this area
and work closely with residents
to keep gardens clean and
tidy.
Untidy Closes Neighbourhood Officers will
continue to monitor the
condition of closes and carry
out close meetings with
residents.
Multi Storey Flats Neighbourhood Officers will
continue to liaise on a regular
basis with the Caretakers to
ensure that residents’
concerns regarding cleanliness
and rubbish being dumped are
Tackling Anti
Social Behaviour
Community
Safety Wardens
dealt with timeously.
Neighbourhood Officers to
continue to have regular
meetings and do joint visits
with Community Police
Officers to help tackle anti
social behaviour within the
area.
The Community Safety
Wardens have extended their
area to take in all of Falkirk
and the Braes area. They will
monitor and report fly tipping.
They will also report anti social
behaviour.
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Summer
2010
Summer
2010
Margaret
Wilson
Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Ongoing Margaret
Wilson
Page 22 of 34

6.
INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2010-2011
6.1 Council House Condition Survey
From April 2002 the Scottish Government, following recommendations from the Housing
Improvement Task Force, obliged all social landlords to meet the Scottish Housing Quality
Standard (SHQS) for all properties under management.
Carrying out a House Condition Survey is considered to be good practice by the Scottish
Government and is essential in providing information to the Council on the condition of its
housing stock, and for identifying the improvements that are necessary to achieve the
standard by 2015, ensuring that resources are targeted effectively.
Following the completion of an initial sample 10% survey between May – July 2009, plans
are now in place for all full Stock Condition Survey to be completed between 2010 – 2011.
The results of this survey will assist in identification of future capital investment priorities.
The survey results will also form the basis of a new Standard Delivery Plan, which will be
developed over the course of 2010/11 consistent with the timescales for the Local Housing
Strategy (LHS).
6.2 ELEMENTAL MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS
External Fabric Improvements
The projects for your area are noted below, however as in previous years, the programming
of projects will ultimately depend upon availability of resources which can be affected by
issues such as the level of Council house sales and tender prices.
See overleaf/
Mather Terrace, Laurieston – Re-roof and re-render;
Woodburn Gardens/ Woodburn Road/ Woodburn Street, Falkirk – External weather
envelope;
Belmont Tower - Lift replacement;
Breton/ Corentin Court – Water Ingress Remedial Works;
Eastburn Tower – External weather envelope refurbishment works;
Leishman Tower – Lift replacement works.
Page 23 of 34

6.3 Door Entry Systems
Eastburn Tower – Before Overcladding
Belmont Tower – Overcladding – How Eastburn Tower will look
Plans are in place for a number of additional door entry systems to be installed in various
properties in the Falkirk area.
The following proposal for the location of communal door security system installations has
been based upon a notional cost for each system and may require further revision once a
more detailed cost model has been received from Development Services.
22-28 Abbotsford Drive, Laurieston;
33-49 Garry Place, Hallglen;
1-7 Grange Drive, Falkirk;
65-75, 77-87 & 89-99 Grangemouth Road, Falkirk;
22-36 & 38-52 Inchkeith Place, Hallglen;
Page 24 of 34

6.4 Electrical Works
6-14 Iona Place, Hallglen;
56-68 King Street, Falkirk;
2-12 Millburn Street, Falkirk;
14-30 Tanera Court, Hallglen;
2-14 & 30-42 Tiree Place, Hallglen;
215-221 Thornhill Road, Falkirk.
The following have been identified as locations of occupied Council properties suitable for
inclusion in the periodic inspections program.
See overleaf/
Aitken Drive, Slamannan;
Alexander Avenue, Falkirk;
Balcastle Road, Slamannan;
Balquatstone Crescent, Slamannan;
Bank Street, Slamannan;
Beech Crescent, Westquarter;
Bennie Terrace, Slamannan;
Binniehill Road, Slamannan;
Birnie Well Road, Slamannan;
Blinkbonnie Terrace, Slamannan
Buchanan Gardens, Polmont;
Castlehill Avenue, Slamannan;
College Crescent, Falkirk;
Corentin Court, Falkirk;
Culloch Road, Slamannan;
Dovecot Road, Westquarter;
Drumclair Avenue, Slamannan;
Findhorn Place, Hallglen;
Gowanlea Drive, Slamannan;
Grange Drive, Falkirk;
High Street, Slamannan;
Kirkburn New Street, Slamannan;
Rashielhill Road, Slamannan;
Southfield Drive, Slamannan;
St Laurence Crescent, Slamannan;
The Rumlie, Slamannan.
Page 25 of 34

6.5 New Build Projects
Campbell Crescent, Laurieston – Tidy Overgrown Area
44A-D Carse Crescent, Laurieston;
Chequers, Hallglen.
6.6 Estate Improvements
Underpass at Annan Court, Hallglen has been used as an art project between Hallglen
Primary 7 and Falkirk Council’s Regeneration Team.
6.7 Health and Safety Works
Underpass, Annan Court, Hallglen
The Area Office continue to identify Health and Safety issues within the area and
instructions are issued to make safe. The office has recently undertaken a project to test all
smoke alarms within their properties.
The/
Page 26 of 34

6.8
The following areas have also been identified:
Glenbrae Court, Falkirk – Removal of concrete car ports;
Argyll Avenue & Braemar Drive, Falkirk and Dovecot Road, Westquarter – Lead
Water Main Replacement.
Environmental Improvements
The following list of projects have been identified for 2010/11:
29-35 & 37-43 Gowanlea Drive, Slamannan – Boundary Fencing;
Hallglen – Concrete hard standing for euro bins:
o 8-24 Annan Court
o 21-37 Beauly Court
o 26-42 Calder Place
o 61-77 Dochart Place
o 99-115 Dochart Place
o 10-26 Mudale Court
o 7-23 Nairn Court;
4-12 Oakbank, Westquarter – Form back paths and new fencing for rear gardens.
Oakbank, Westquarter – Create Paths & Proper Boundaries
6.9 Proposed Schedule of Estate Walkabouts
A proposed schedule of Estate Walkabouts has been arranged in order to allow tenants and
residents an opportunity to meet with their Neighbourhood Officer to walk around the area
and to discuss their concerns and future aspirations for their community.
To jointly identify “hot spot” areas that require action (eg tidy up open spaces; youth
disorder; environmental issues);
To give an opportunity to involve other services, eg Estates Management; the
Police;
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To agree standards so that both the tenants and Neighbourhood Officer know what
is expected of them and have an understanding of what the priorities are for the
community;
To enable the Neighbourhood Officer to be visible in the area and to be seen
working for the community;
To potentially identify future environmental projects to support the Neighbourhood
Plan;
To give tenants the opportunity to input in future Neighbourhood Plans.
Area Date Time
Slamannan Wednesday, 16 June 2010 AM
Limerigg Thursday, 17 June 2010 PM
Westquarter Thursday, 17 June 2010 AM
Laurieston Friday, 18 June 2010 AM
Avonbridge Tuesday, 22 June 2010 AM
Shieldhill Tuesday, 22 June 2010 PM
High Bog Wednesday, 16 June 2010 AM
Low Bog Thursday, 17 June 2010 AM
Thornhill (Part) Tuesday, 15 June 2010 AM
Thornhill (Part) Tuesday, 15 June 2010 PM
Hallglen Phase 1 Thursday, 17 June 2010 PM
Hallglen Phase 3 Friday, 18 June 2010 AM
6.10 Stock Disposal Opportunities/ Development Opportunities
Planning permission has now been granted to allow for the development of 4 flats at the
grassed area within the garage site at Carse Crescent, Laurieston. Falkirk Council’s
Building Maintenance Division have been awarded the contract and it is anticipated that the
building will commence early 2010.
44A-D Carse Crescent, Laurieston
Chequers site in Hallglen – The initial demolition phase of this project has recently
commenced, with new social housing being built later.
See overleaf/
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Chequers Site, Hallglen
6.11 Neighbourhood Services Involvement in Emergency Planning
Local Authorities are now required to have contingency plans in place to deal with
emergency situations. Neighbourhood Services is involved in this planning process.
Our part in the planning process, not surprisingly, is centred around temporary
accommodation should people require to be evacuated from their homes. Rest centre
venues have been identified throughout the district for this purpose.
6.12 Planned Maintenance
The Falkirk area benefited from Planned Maintenance in 2008-2009 which consisted of:
Painting the external fabric of buildings;
Painting of communal closes;
Painting of clothes poles;
Cleaning gutters and down-pipes;
Minor repairs to roofs;
Minor repairs to roughcast;
Chimney repairs;
Health and Safety environmental works.
6.13 Housing Development Strategies
The main purpose of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan is to illustrate how identified
needs and priorities in relation to affordable housing will be tackled, with an emphasis on
how project will be delivered and practice, having regard to available resources, partnership
working and development constraints.
Key issues to not include:
Housing needs assessment indicates a requirement for an additional 145 affordable
housing units annually over the next 10 years;
A special needs housing assessment is being undertaken to inform future planning;
The Council has adopted a twin track approach to the provision of affordable housing
in the Council area involving both council new build and partnership working with
RSL’s and other potential providers to maximise available funding opportunities;
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The Council new build programme includes the delivery of 100 new affordable social
rented units over the next 3 years.
For further information, a copy of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2009 (SHIP) is
available from –
http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/corporate_neighbourhood/housing/strategic_housing_investment_plan_09.pdf
6.14 Fuel Poverty
6.15/
Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation Schemes will continue throughout 2010/11 in order to satisfy
the requirements of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
Projects continue to be carried out in partnership with a number of utility companies to
maximise external funding. Priority areas are being progressed on the basis of the greatest
risk of fuel poverty.
Insulation Surveys will be carried out in the under-noted areas:
Ash Grove, Westquarter;
Beech Crescent, Westquarter;
Braeside Place, Westquarter;
Bute Street, Falkirk;
Cedar Crescent, Westquarter;
Church Place, Falkirk;
Dalderse Avenue, Falkirk;
Dovecot Road, Westquarter;
Elm Drive, Westquarter;
Fir Grove, Westquarter;
Garden Terrace, Westquarter;
Grahams Road, Falkirk;
Hillside Terrace, Westquarter;
Laurel Grove, Westquarter;
Main Street, Avonbridge;
Oakbank Crescent, Westquarter;
Pine Grove, Westquarter;
Redding Road, Westquarter;
Salmon Inn Road, Polmont;
School Road, Laurieston;
Spinkhill, Laurieston;
St John’s Avenue, Falkirk;
St Margaret’s Crescent, Polmont;
Suilven Heights, Laurieston;
The Thrums, Laurieston;
Wellbank, Westquarter;
Westquarter Avenue, Westquarter;
Yew Terrace, Westquarter;
Zetland Drive, Laurieston.
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6.15 Customer Satisfaction & Repairs
100.00%
95.00%
90.00%
85.00%
80.00%
Overall Satisfaction with Repair
Apr - Dec 2009
Callendar Square Falkirk Council
The graph above illustrates information based on Customer Satisfaction Surveys (Repairs
Receipts). We are keen to maintain high performance levels to ensure that a high quality
service is sustained.
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7.
STRATEGIC CONTENT
The purpose of this section is to outline key policy issues at both national and local level,
which will impact on the delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan.
7.1 Falkirk Strategic Community Plan
The Falkirk Strategic Community Plan, 2005-2010, ‘Working in Partnership for the Falkirk
Council area’ sets out how all public agencies and community partners will work together
to achieve the vision for our area. This Plan provides a strategic framework that sets out a
number of broad priorities for the major public sector organisations to deliver over this
period. The priorities for 2005-2010 are:
Improving the Performance of the Local Economy and Tourism;
Enhancing Lifelong Learning and Opportunity;
Creating a Sustainable Local Environment and Improving Transport;
Regenerating Our Communities;
Enabling Our Citizens to Live Safely;
Improving Health and Wellbeing.
Housing regeneration activity is underpinned by the work of the Community Regeneration
Theme Group which is an integral part of the Falkirk strategic community planning
process.
7.2 Local Housing Strategy
The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) shows how the Council will work with partners to meet
the housing needs of people living in the Falkirk Council area. The LHS 2004-2009
identified six key priorities as follows:
The improvement and maintenance of the Council’s core housing stock;
The preparation of housing development strategies to meet local priority needs;
The provision of a range of affordable housing options which meet the needs of
local people; including those with particular needs;
The prevention and alleviation of homelessness wherever possible;
The provision of support to vulnerable people in their homes;
A reduction in the number of households that live in fuel poverty.
Work is currently underway on the development of a new Local Housing Strategy which
will cover the period 2011-2016, and an Interim Statement that will link the earlier LHS
with the new LHS will be published during 2010.
7.3 Standard Delivery Plan
Scottish Executive proposals for improving the quality of life for people in Scotland have
included establishing a cross tenure Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS). This
standard defines what constitutes acceptable good quality housing and the Executive has
set a target date of 2015, by which time local authorities and registered social landlords
are expected to have met the SHQS in respect of their housing stock.
In/
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In summary terms, to meet the SHQS a dwelling must be:
Compliant with the Tolerable Standard;
Free from serious disrepair;
Energy efficient;
Provided with modern facilities and services;
Healthy, safe and secure.
The Council’s Standard Delivery Plan is the start of a planning and investment process
which will ensure the Council’s housing stock meets the Scottish Housing Quality
Standard by 2015. It represents a development of the Council’s Local Housing Strategy in
setting out long term investment proposals for the Council’s stock.
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8. List of Appendices
FALKIRK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
8.1 Appendix 1 – RSL Stock: Falkirk and Slamannan
8.2 Appendix 2 – Planned Maintenance: Proposed Five Year
Programme
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