Residents up in arms at plans to build more homes
Hundreds of people have said no to a proposed development of 180 houses in Cambuslang, a local community group has said.
Halfway Community Council says hundreds of residents have spoken to the group on social media, at meetings and on doorsteps to object to the proposal to build homes on land east of Drumsagard.
The Walker Group unveiled plans this month to construct three, four and five-bedroom homes in a field off Hamilton Road, neighbouring the Walnut Gate, Redwood Crescent and Magnolia Drive estates.
Staff from the firm last week attended a meeting of the community council and heard residents’ concerns about flooding, local wildlife and ecology and the wider environment.
Locals also raised concerns about the ability of local services to cope with so many additional families moving in.
Arguments that the development would be sympathetic to the area and, crucially, that the Walker Group would contribute towards the costs of improved infrastructure were not enough to sway opinion.
Liisa Hepworth, of Halfway Community Council, said problems with infrastructure and a lack of amenities were so severe that residents want to see a halt to building in the area until a detailed strategy is developed to address their concerns.
She told the Reformer: “There has been an overwhelming negative reaction against any more residential development in this ward until South Lanarkshire Council starts to invest in this area and put in the required community and transport infrastructure.
“This includes things such as a new high school, upgraded and new road networks, parking to help travel in and out of the ward, more buses and frequent trains, shops, doctors, dentists, community and health centre, parks and other green space the community can enjoy.
“Halfway Community Council’s position is clear – we will not support any new residential development in this area or the wider ward until the council starts investing in this area.
“Many residents are asking on social media where has all the section 75 money from the new developments gone and all the additional council tax.”
At the meeting the Walker Group representative advised that the preapplication statutory consultation 12 weeks’ notice had been served and that a planning application would be lodged after this time.
Pauline Elliott, head of planning at South Lanarkshire Council said: “The site is identified as a housing site in the current adopted South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan.
“Any subsequent application will be duly assessed and considered by the council, including a detailed assessment of the need for planning obligations to provide appropriate facilities.”