Growing anger at schools project
Wallace High is the latest school to become embroiled in the heated PPP debate.
Around 140 people turned up to a meeting of Causewayhead Community Council on Monday night to question council officials on the PPP plans.
The proposals put forward offer either a refurbishment of the existing school or a new school built on land next to the junction of Airthrey Road and Causewayhead Road with housing development on the existing school site.
But a growing number of locals are concerned about the impact the new school option could have on the community, particularly as they say it could use up a section of greenbelt the size of 10 football pitches.
There are also concerns that building housing on the existing school site - thought to have potential for around 120 new homes - would mean more traffic and put pressure on local infrastructure.
Causewayhead Community Council is believed to want further options to be explored.
Bob Polland, who was at the meeting, said: "The use of the greenbelt is of great concern and the site is just totally inappropriate.
"A lot of the pupils will be faced with walking even further to school. Some elderly residents are also concerned because there will be a significant increase in the numbers having to walk through what have traditionally been fairly secluded areas.
"This just seems to be greenbelt development through the back door. Developers wouldn't be allowed to build houses on greenbelt land but all they are doing is building a school on it instead so they can build their houses elsewhere."
Around 176 houses and flats would be built on the existing Stirling High site.
Dunblane Community Council is asking Stirling Council to arrange a public meeting over plans to replace Dunblane High School because "the level of concern has been so extensive".
Dunblane would be expected to accept around 60 new houses next to where the local plan has already earmarked a site for 50 houses at Anchorscross.
IC Stirlingshire, 13th October 2004
