PLANS for a major new housing development outside Glasgow have been given the green light.
South Lanarkshire Council's planning committee on Tuesday approved plans in principle for the Langlands West development off Greenhills Road in East Kilbride.
The decision paves the way for 600 homes, 250 of which will be for affordable rent, as well as a retirement village, local shops, and new green space.
Councillor Graham Scott praised the plans, and said: “This is a good news story for East Kilbride, if you delve into the report you’ll see this is 250 social houses for East Kilbride.
“And I also want to give notice, there’s also 150 bungalows for over-55s. That is something that is a very welcome initiative.”
The project, which has been brought forward by McTaggart Construction, Jackton Estates, and Link Group, will transform more than 42 hectares of agricultural land into a mixed-use neighbourhood featuring up to 250 affordable homes, 200 private homes and a 150-unit retirement village.
A new neighbourhood centre containing retail, office, and community facilities also forms part of the plans.
The approval comes despite 30 objections from residents and community groups, who raised concerns about traffic congestion, pressure on local infrastructure, loss of greenspace and the potential impact on nearby Langlands Moss Nature Reserve.
But, planning officers concluded the development complies with both national and local planning policy and recommended approval.
The site has long been earmarked for development in South Lanarkshire’s Local Development Plan and forms part of the council’s wider growth strategy for East Kilbride.
Developers have also pledged significant environmental improvements, including the restoration of degraded peatland, the creation of a new wetland park, new walking and cycling routes, sustainable drainage systems and enhanced biodiversity measures.
The approval is subject to a legal agreement securing affordable housing provision and education contributions, while many planning conditions must also be met before construction can begin.
Detailed designs for the homes, roads, neighbourhood centre and retirement village will be submitted at a later stage for further approval.
The decision marks one of the largest housing approvals in East Kilbride in recent years and could eventually deliver a new community of around 600 homes alongside shops, services and public open space.
