Village development on former school site begins

Work has begun on a new development of 16 council houses in Plains.

The new homes are being constructed at Annieshill View, on the site of the former Plains Primary which was vacated more than a decade ago when pupils moved into the nearby joint campus with St David’s.

Planning permission for the development was granted nearly two years ago, and North Lanarkshire Council officials say that it is due to be completed in spring 2022.

They add that “Two of the homes [are] designed for wheelchair users and six [are] being built to amenity standard” at the site, consisting of houses, bungalows and cottage flats collectively ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Pamela Humphries, the council’s head of planning and regeneration, said: “This is the third new council house building project on site in as many months and marks a positive step on the economic road to recovery.

“It’s been a challenging time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we’ve continued to work behind the scenes to push forward our housing programme and are delighted to progress another new development.

“Every one of our developments supports the local economy and community, provides jobs and improves the lives of our tenants and residents.”

Council officials add: “All of our new homes are designed for the future with a range of features including being [able] to adapt as a tenant’s circumstances change, are secure by design and boast a ‘very good’ energy efficiency rating.”

It is part of North Lanarkshire’s major programme to provide

5000 affordable homes by 2035, and which includes the 58 homes currently under construction at the site of the old St James Primary in Coatbridge.

The £3 million Plains development is supported by a £944,000 grant from the Scottish Government.

It will be constructed by Mears

New Homes, whose managing director Willie Docherty said: “These high-quality new homes will enhance the offer to the residents of the area.

“Our team is proud to be part of it; Mears is delighted to be involved in the continued successful regeneration of North Lanarkshire.”

Fresh start The new homes are being constructed at Annieshill View, on the site of the former Plains Primary