The development, by Norfolk-based Morston Assets, would bring 1500 houses to the village as well as business and industry, shops, a primary school, various community facilities and canal-related leisure and tourism activities.

The company has now lodged a Proposal of Application Notice with Falkirk Council and is set to put forward a full planning application in March next year, with work hopefully starting on site early in 2011.

Morston stated this week they envisage the whole site will be delivered over a 10 to 15- year period.

A spokesman said: "We are the lead developer and majority landowner within the Whitecross Special Initiative for Residential-led Regeneration. Our proposals include the regeneration of the 125-acre former Manuel brickworks together with land on the edge of the existing
Whitecross village.

Read The Falkirk Herald for the full story.