New houses could fix old flooding issue
Next building phase‘ will address’ Gilbert field problem
Flooding problems on Cambuslang’s Gilbertfield Road could finally be solved by the latest phase of Dundas Estates’ housing development.
Plans for a further 73 homes and associated drainage schemes at the site have been approved by South Lanarkshire Council, despite objections raised by the local community council.
Rutherglen and Cambuslang area manager for planning and building standards, Tina Meikle, told the council’s planning committee last week that the next phase “will address” the flooding issues, which have been an ongoing issue on the road for years. She added that a two metre wide footpath and cycle link along Gilbertfield Road were included in the two applications – one for 26 homes and one for 47 – which were both approved by the committee.
Ms Meikle explained: “Both applications are by the same applicant [Dundas Estates] and both are at Gilberfield Road in Cambuslang.
“The sites form part of a larger residential area which was previously approved.
“There is a localised flooding issue. I have been advised that the new development and drainage will address the issue.
“Therefore, it is recommended that detailed planning permission be granted for both subject to the conclusion of the legal agreement.” There were no objections to the proposals by statutory consultees, however Halfway Community Council did object.
They intimated more houses should not be built until the council had addressed “roads infrastructure, community facilities and amenities” in the area.
Part of their objection also focussed on the lack of pedestrian and cycle connections in the area, but plans to improve these have been included by the developers.
Developer contributions will also be secured as part of a section 75 legal agreement between the council and Dundas Estates which will “directly support” Cathkin and Trinity High Schools as well as community facilities including Halfway Library and local parks.
Councillor Bert Thomson asked if contributions towards play equipment in the local park could include money put towards accessible play equipment for children with a disability.
Ms Meikle advised that “it has already been suggested” before adding “we will move that forward”.
Halfway community council told the Reformer that they remain concerned over the lack of amenities in the area.
A spokesperson said: “We are very concerned about the huge increase in residential housing in Cambuslang East over the last few years.
“There has been a lack of supporting infrastructure investment, such as roads, schools, community centres, health centres, sports and other leisure facilities that are really needed to sustain and support the local communities.
“On this particular site there are huge issues surrounding inadequate and unsafe road infrastructure and the plans do not address the concerns raised by ourselves, our locally elected councillor and the Flemington care home that is across the road from the development.
“Flooding is a huge issue in this area caused by the development at Gilbertfield View and we have been assured that the developer will now resolve this ongoing problem, but we will wait and see if it does.
“Green open spaces between the two towns of Blantyre and Cambuslang have been eroded for some time due to housing developments and now there is little left for people to enjoy.”