Anger as housing plan is approved
FearsHalfwaywill‘merge’withBlantyre
A controversial housing development proposal in Cambuslang has been greenlit by South Lanarkshire Council – despite more than 150 objections to the plan.
Almost 200 new homes will now be created by the Walker Group for the Manse Brae area of Cambuslang in a decision that campaigners have slammed for its effect on the area’s wildlife and green space.
A huge number of new homes have been built in Cambuslang in recent years, prompting complaints that the local authority has not created enough amenities to match the developments.
Representatives from Halfway Community Council say the increasing cuts to green space bordering Blantyre have now reached such a level that the two towns will end up merging if it continues.
The new proposal will see three, four and five-bedroom homes constructed in a field off Hamilton Road, neighbouring the Walnut Gate, Redwood Crescent and Magnolia Drive estates.
Back in 2019, when the plans were first revealed, the then list MSP James Kelly slammed the move, saying it would negatively affect the greenspace in the region.
Confirmation of the planning approval states that: “No trees within the application site shall be lopped, topped, pollarded or felled, and no shrubs or hedges shall be removed from the application site without the prior written consent of the council.”
Halfway Community Council has been left dismayed at the decision.
A spokesperson told the Reformer: “Those who campaigned against the development are very disappointed with the decision, especially due to the lack of local infrastructure, the outrageous issues with the local schools in the area and the sheer disregard of the safety issues with access to the new development coming from Hamilton Road.
“There are two main gas pipes running across the site, a history of flooding in the area and, importantly, yet again, a negative impact on
local wildlife and a vastly reduced green
space bordering Blantyre. Soon our towns will merge at this rate. Residents beside the area were specifically told in the past that no development would happen on this green belt land.
“It’s really disappointing news and we are now seeking an urgent meeting with South Lanarkshire Council to address our concerns.”
Pauline Elliott, the council’s head of planning, said: “The application was approved by the planning committee when it met in June 2021 and, following the completion of legal agreement, consent has now been issued.”