Site to be developed for homes

Plans are afoot to transform a derelict site in North Lanarkshire.

Hamilton-based employer, Banks Property Developments and house builder Miller Homes are preparing a joint planning application to deliver 490 new homes in Bellshill.

The 16 hectare site – which has been subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour in recent months – will be invested in and transformed to generate new homes, create new jobs and significantly invest in the area.

Originally put forward by Banks Property Developments in 2003, initial permission for nearly 800 homes was granted in 2004 before progress was halted by the 2008 financial crisis.

Since then, Banks has been working with the local authority to address the various planning matters associated with the site.

The plans will take into consideration local views and be further refined following discussions with the community. An online consultation will start on Monday, April 18 followed by an online event on Monday, May 9.

Covid restrictions permitting, the intention is to also hold a face-to-face event in the spring, where both Banks and Miller Homes will be on hand to discuss their plans in more detail.

When the planning application is approved, Banks will begin the process of improving the site to prepare it for development.

At present, it is anticipated that the construction of the new homes could start on site in the first half of 2023.

Andy Liddell from Banks Property Development told the Advertiser: “After years of hard and detailed work, we are delighted to be submitting an application for appropriate and high-quality homes that will see £100m invested in Bellshill.

“This project will regenerate an unsightly, derelict former industrial site into a new and vibrant community, where people want to live, that will generate tangible and lasting benefits to the local area for years to come.

“Demand for quality new homes in the area is high and if approved this new development will help to meet it.

“I welcome the opportunity to work with local people and look forward to hearing their feedback based on their local knowledge to help us ensure these plans deliver the maximum social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area.”