Thumbs up Major new development

Detailed planning permission has been given for a major housing development in Lindsayfield.

Taylor Wimpey previously secured permission in principle to develop the 61-acre site off Shields Road – and will now build 485 new homes at Benthall Farm.

As part of the planning permission, the developer has agreed to provide a total of 124 affordable homes, 62 of which will be within the Benthall Farm development in the future.

This would require a further planning application to be brought to South Lanarkshire Council.

However, councillors rubber stamped the development at a meeting of the local authority’s planning committee.

The new homes will consist of three-bedroom semi-detached, as well as three- and four-bedroom detached homes. Preconstruction work on the site is due to begin early in the New Year.

The development would also see significant upgrade work on nearby Auldhouse Road and proposed Traffic Regulations Orders (TROs) for Moss Road and Shields Road.

This would see vehicular access prohibited, but access for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians maintained.

Under TRO proposals, Shields Road would remain open until the relevant phase adjacent to it is developed, after which point, alternative access will be available from Shields Road to Auldhouse Road through the new site.

However, any road closures will be subject to further planning permission and consultation with SNP Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Bill Holeman calling on officers to re-think the closure of Shields Road, claiming it is “essentially unnecessary”.

There were 74 letters of objection to the plans, including concerns over increased pressure on the surrounding road network, further erosion of the greenbelt and increasing strain on the infrastructure of the local area, particularly in regard to leisure facilities and education facilities.

The lack of public transport provision in Lindsayfield and restricted parking space at Hairmyres train station were also raised as areas of concern.

However, a report states: “Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) has confirmed there is bus which services Lindsayfield Road.

“Residents from this development will be able to access this service through the provision of footpath links and improved signage.

“The council are currently looking to provide additional parkand-ride facilities in East Kilbride.”

Audlhouse and Chapelton Community Council were among those objecting.

They fear the development will see a dramatic increase in traffic in the area and, with only one road in and out of Lindsayfield, further congestion for drivers.

The group go on to say: “The closure of Shields Road will create difficulties for farm vehicles in the locality and increase the length of journey,