Homes to go ahead
33 letters objecting to bid
Plans to build 105 houses on the banks of the Clyde at Bothwell were approved by councillors this week, despite 33 letters of objection.
Miller Homes’ scheme, on land formerly occupied by Bothwell Bank Farm, comprises 15 and 32 detached houses to the north of the site, to be accessed by a new junction from Blantyre Mill Road, and 33 detached homes and 25 ‘affordable’ homes accessed from Clyde Avenue.
Residents neighbouring the 10.5 hectare site expressed concern earlier this year that the development would put ‘huge pressures’ on nearby roads and cause more congestion in an area where vehicles are parked up and down roadways.
They had pointed out that double parking in the area was common and Scottish Water tankers, going to and from the nearby sewage works, struggled to negotiate Clyde Avenue.
However, South Lanarkshire planning chief Michael Mcglynn told councillors on Tuesday that roads and transportation services did not back these concerns and had “offered no objection to the use of either Clyde Avenue or Blantyre Mill Road as access to the development”,
He added: “As with any residential street, due care and attention must be paid so as not to restrict access for residents, the emergency services or sewerage vehicles. The proposal can therefore be considered acceptable in terms of these issues.”
Mr Mcglynn however pointed out that the local authority’s arboriculture officials had raised concern about the loss of trees at the location, notably a “small group” close to Grieve Croft.
But he added: “The mature belt around the perimeter will be retained and largely unaffected by the proposed development. Furthermore, the submitted landscape masterplan indicates that new woodland planting is proposed within the existing gully area and other boundary area.
“Tree planting is also proposed within garden areas, streets and public amenity space. These works will compensate any loss of trees and provide a valuable amenity setting for the development.”
He also pointed out that the development layout met the standards set out in the council’s residential design guide.