HOMES PLAN FOR PHILIPS FACTORY SITE
Members of public are invited to attend consultation event
The former Philips factory in Hamilton could be transformed into a major new housing development.
Site owners Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, are looking to get planning permission in principle for the Wellhall Road factory.
Plans are still at an early stage and a proposal of application notice has been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council ahead of a public consultation event next month.
Members of the public will be able to raise their concerns with Signify at the consultation event on Thursday, February 13, at South Lanarkshire Lifestyles in Fairhill.
In July 2019, Signify announced plans to close the site which opened in 1947 and employed around 2000 people at its peak.
The lights were switched off at the factory for the last time in November last year, ending a 72-year affiliation with the town.
A major new housing development could be coming to the site of the former Philips factory in Hamilton.
Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, have submitted a proposal of application notice to South Lanarkshire Council for the site on Wellhall Road.
A public consultation event is set to take place from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday, February 13, at South Lanarkshire Lifestyles in Fairhill to allow people to find out more about the proposals.
In November last year, the plant – which used to make SOX (sodium with oxide) lamps – closed its doors for the last time after almost three quarters of a century in the town.
Hamilton West and Earnock councillor Mark Mcgeever had hoped for another manufacturer to bring employment back to the site, but nonetheless wanted a positive outcome. He said: “The Philips factory was part of the community for a very long time and there was real sadness at its loss.
“The biggest impact was of course on workers and their families, but many local residents have fond memories of the contribution made by staff at the site over the years.
“I think ideally most people would like to see a similar company move in and carry on.
“There is always a concern though that if industrial sites become vacant they can be a magnet for crime.
“Vandalism and anti-social behaviour can quickly drag an area down, and there is the far more serious risks of criminals starting fires.
“Whatever future is decided for the site, it is crucial planners look very carefully at how any proposal will impact residents of Earnock, Hillhouse and Udston.
“Local communities are too often left feeling ignored when these decisions are made.
“This is a great area to live and people need houses, but wherever new uses are considered things like increased traffic and demand for local services must be properly thought out from the start.”
A proposal of application notice is not a planning application but a notice advising the council of a likely major development application submitted at least 12 weeks in advance.
The notice establishes an agreed level of preapplication consultation with the community for a major development.
Members of the public can’t object in the usual way to a proposal of application notice, but can raise concerns with the developer during consultation and then object if they still want to once an application has been submitted.
A major development is a development of more than 50 houses or on a site larger than two hectares.