Revamp of East Whitlawburn is to get underway
Nearly 400 homes to be demolished
People in East Whitlawburn could be decanted to temporary accommodation in the coming months as South Lanarkshire Council says homes in the scheme will be demolished next year.
The local authority confirmed in October last year that East Whitlawburn properties would be razed to the ground and new homes built in a five-year regeneration project.
The current 380 properties will be demolished in phases, as 320 new homes for affordable rent and sale will be built.
The council this week said work is under way to rehouse tenants that would be affected by the first phase of demolition next year.
Daniel Lowe, executive director of housing at the council, said: “In consultation with the local community the council is currently developing detailed plans for the rehousing of residents and phased demolition of existing stock.
“Given the nature of this major regeneration project, and subject to the redevelopment phasing, it is anticipated that some households who have expressed an interest in being re-housed in the area will need to decant to alternative accommodation either within or outwith the Whitlawburn area to enable new homes to be built.
“At this stage in the process it is not possible to provide details of the phasing of demolitions.
“When plans are finalised tenants will be advised on an individual basis by the local housing team.”
Residents who want to remain in East Whitlawburn will be given priority for rehousing in a new build property in the scheme.
Information on residents’ preferences for housing and the make up of households was gathered by the council earlier this year during a mass consultation and will be used by housing officers to find suitable accommodation during the decant.
People who are required to move out of their homes as a result of regeneration will be compensated in line with Statutory Homeloss and Disturbance Scheme.
This provides for payment of up to £2,250 comprising a statutory homeloss payment of £1,500 and a discretionary disturbance allowance up to £750.
Mr Lowe added: “The council is keen for as many local residents as possible to be involved in the regeneration of East Whitlawburn and will continue to publish regular editions of ‘East Whitlawburn News’.
Anyone interested in becoming involved should either phone the Cambuslang housing team on 0303 123 1012 or email housing.cambuslang@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk for more information.”