Plans for flats at former club get go ahead

Planning permission has been granted for 12 flats at a former bowling club in Hamilton.

Councillors on the planning committee approved amended plans to develop two blocks of flats at the former Low Waters Miners’ Welfare and Social Club.

Planning permission for a similar development was granted by the committee in October last year.

However, some key changes have been made to the car parking provision.

The original consent included 27 car parking spaces and the current proposal has now reduced this to 14 spaces.

Local members praised the new plans, and councillor John Ross (Hamilton South) said: “Providing the item does go through, I would welcome it.

“It is an area that would benefit from more local housing.

“I am very happy to see it reach a stage where we can overcome any barriers to the site being used.”

And chair of the planning committee, Richard Nelson, who represents the Larkhall ward,said: “I think it’s great to see some social housing in Hamilton and use of the former site being brought back into use for the community.

“I’d be happy to grant detailed planning permission subject to conditions.”

The development will include two blocks. In each block, there will be six cottage flats with two bedrooms arranged over two floors, half of which will be wheelchair accessible.

The development will be operated by the West of Scotland Housing Association for social rented accommodation.

Vehicle access to the site will be via Alness Street. There are 14 car parking spaces, including 12 electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage provision, on site.