36 flats in two blocks at South Parish Church, East Kilbride

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1. The proposal is for the erection of 36 flats across 2 four-storey, flat roofed blocks. Block A would be positioned to the south of the site and block B would be located to the north of the site. The blocks would be approximately 32 metres apart with parking and vehicle circulation located between the blocks and to the west of the site adjacent to Baird Hill.”

“The site access is proposed to be taken from Baird Hill, at the same location as the existing southern access to the church. The access is positioned to the south of the site and vehicles would turn northwards to access the proposed parking between the blocks and along the western boundary of the site. A total of 38 parking spaces are shown in the proposed site layout, 3 of which are accessible. An internal bike store is proposed for each block.”

“Site Description 2.1. The application site consists of the former South Parish Church and associated grounds. The vacant church comprises several single-storey and two-storey elements, however, the largest and most prominent part of the building is the orthogonal main hall with spire at the southern end of the site.”

“The site is adjacent to Headhouse Green public park to the north and west and sits in an elevated and visually prominent position when viewed from the park. Beyond the section of the park to the west, residential dwellings are located 26 metres from the site boundary. Two-storey residential properties along Baird Hill are located 12 metres to the west and three-story flatted dwellings are located 8 metres from the site boundary to the south of the site.”

“Assessment and Discussion 10.1. Principle of Development The proposal is for 36 flats for social housing, the co-applicant is West of Scotland Housing Association, a registered social landlord. The site is not identified in the current South Lanarkshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), nor is it an allocated housing site within the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2.”

“Following due consideration, the proposals do not provide residential accommodation with enough amenity for the number of residents proposed nor does it provide satisfactory drainage infrastructure. The size and position of the site constrain the development from achieving policy requirements for the amount of development being proposed and indicates that the density being brought forward is not supportable.”

“Consultations 6.1. Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services – Have objected to the proposal as the proposed drainage apparatus will be positioned too close to the public road. Also advised that additional information is required in relation to retaining walls between the access road and parking spaces on the eastern side of the site.”

“Environmental Services – No objections, subject to the inclusion of conditions relating to a noise mitigation scheme, construction noise, contaminated land, dust mitigation and asbestos and advisory note relating to formal action if nuisance occurs.”

“Residential amenity concerns. • Privacy issues – overlooking neighbouring habitable rooms. • Loss of amenity by way of loss of light. • Physical impact, dominating neighbouring properties.”

“Road safety issues • Insufficient parking which will impact on local parking permit area. • Road and traffic safety of development and construction traffic, particularly in relation to the proximity to the local school.”

“P/26/0449 for Residential Development of 36 Flats Across 2 Number 4 Storey Blocks, Access Arrangements, Parking, Landscaping and Associated Works at South Parish Church, Baird Hill, East Kilbride A report dated 31 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on planning application P/26/0449 by [the applicant] (EK) Limited and East Kilbride Housing Association for a residential development of 36 flats across 2 number 4 storey…”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/26/0449 by [the applicant] (EK) Limited and East Kilbride Housing Association for a residential development of 36 flats across 2 number 4 storey blocks, access arrangements, parking, landscaping and associated works at South Parish Church, Baird Hill, East Kilbride be refused for the reasons detailed in the Executive Director’s report.”