Second stage of Strathaven masterplan gets green light
Councillors have given the plans for the second phase of the East Overton masterplan the green light.
Proposals from Bancon Homes and Paterson Partners for 37 new two-storey, four-bedroom houses were approved by South Lanarkshire Council on Tuesday, August 25.
The second phase of the development will link into the first through the existing access at Boyd Orr Mews.
A new common green forms part of the proposals as well as an “open space corridor” which will create “a vista to East Overton House”.
Tina Meikle, East Kilbride area manager for planning and building standards, told the council’s planning committee that “a number of objections” were submitted.
There were no objections to the proposals from statutory consultees but, in total, 10 letters of objection were submitted by members of the public.
These included potential traffic and noise problems during the construction phase, environmental concerns and a loss of privacy and overlooking of a number of properties on Fleming Boulevard.
Ms Meikle said that there were “detailed layout and amenity issues”.
She added: “We did have detailed discussions with the developers.”
As a result, changes to the proposals for plots 31, 32 and 34 were made to ensure there will be at least 20m between windows of neighbouring properties and that houses on Fleming Boulevard won’t be overlooked.
Concerns around the developers contributions to public services and amenities were also raised.
Councillor Mary Donnelly (Hamilton West and Earnock) also complained that “the houses are too expensive”.
Ms Meikle clarified: “In terms of house types and costs, it’s not really a planning consideration.
“There is a variety of house types and cost on site. Contributions of £753,000 for affordable housing have already been made.”
She added that previous legal agreements covering parts of the masterplan will see the developer required to make additional contributions as well as upgrading Berebriggs Road to two-way for it’s full length.
These will be triggered by the development of the 180th house on site but the additional 37 houses approved last week will take the total development to 179 homes.
Ms Meikle added that previous contributions had been triggered by the 100th house and that these “have all been made”.
Following the meeting, Allan Clow, Managing Director of Bancon Homes said: “We are delighted that South Lanarkshire Council has approved our planning application for Overton Gardens, and are very much looking forward to introducing a new group of homebuyers to our stunning homes and the beautiful town of Strathaven.
“As businesses continue to face the current challenges, housebuilding has a major role to play in supporting the Scottish economy and helping us through these difficult times. Bancon Homes is pleased to make its own contribution to this as we look to grow our business.”