Springhill homes bid progresses
Plans for a major development in Shotts have moved a step closer.
Proposals to build 350 homes on a site at Springhill Farm were first announced last year.
However, the Advance Construction Scotland plans were originally objected to by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) due to a lack of information regarding flood risk
But in a letter to the council, SEPA agreed to remove its objection to the proposals.
SEPA’s report stated: “Following a review of the further information we are now in a position to remove our objection to this planning application on the grounds of lack of information regarding flood risk.
“Notwithstanding this position we would expect North Lanarkshire Council to undertake their responsibilities as the Flood Risk Management Authority.”
The 80 acre greenbelt site was due to be home to 600 homes but was reduced to 350 last summer.
At that time, Kenny Ross, the agent acting on behalf of Advanced Construction Scotland said the area has great transport links and will give a social and economic boost to the town.
Shotts councillor Tommy Cochrane believes such a development would be a major boost for Shotts.
Councillor Cochrane said: “It’s a major step forward. If SEPA object to plans then it would not have gone through.
“Springhill Farm is classed as greenbelt but if you go up and look at it you will see it is more a brownfield site.
“People have been dumping waste up there for a long time.
“This could be a major step in regenerating Shotts.
“The more homes are built then the town will be able to attract retailers and industry.
“We got nothing from the Glasgow City Deal and when you look at our neighbours in West Lothian like Armadale and West Calder, you see a lot of new homes being built. That could be us and if we can get more developer to build then, hopefully, more will follow.”