64 homes at Meikle Earnock Road, Hamilton

“Erection of residential development comprising of 64 detached dwellinghouses, access roads, landscaping, land engineering operations and associated work, including demolition of dwellinghouse Site Address:”

“Site Description 2.1. The site that is subject to this application extends to 3.06 ha site and is located on the southwestern edge of Hamilton and is part of the Community Growth Area. As such, there are recently completed dwellings to the west and south of the site and to the north lies open fields and a local nature reserve, Torhead Lake.”

“The site currently comprises a field with a former garden centre to the frontage of the site and an existing dwellinghouse – known as Beechfield Manor. The site is generally level; however, there is a low point in the site in the northeast corner adjacent to the existing residential site. An existing hedge line runs along the western boundary.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1. This application is a major application which required a proposal of application notice (PoAN) prior to submission of the planning application. The PoAN notifies the Planning Authority of the intention to submit a major planning application and begins the consultation period with relevant stakeholders. The PoAN was duly submitted and consultation took place over summer 2024 under reference P/24/0005/PAN.”

“The Hamilton Community Growth Area was included in the South Lanarkshire Local Plan 2006 and a masterplan developed for approximately 2000 homes, then carried through subsequent local development plans. It was recorded in 2024 that over 850 dwellings of those planned have been built to date. The proposal would represent the last site along Meikle Earnock Road.”

“The internal layout provides a focus on the central amenity/play space and the pedestrian. The design of the dwellings fits with the surrounding character and is deemed to meet the terms of NPF4 Policy 14 and SLLDP2 Policies 5 and DM1. Technical aspects in terms of roads, flooding and drainage and servicing have been resolved, meeting NPF4 Policy 22 and SLLDP2 Policies SDCC3 and DM15.”

“Overall, the proposal represents an appropriate form of development and addresses the relevant technical matters. The proposal is acceptable and it is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions and the conclusion of a legal agreement.”

“Education Resources – No objection, subject to contributions to increase capacity in relevant catchment schools. Response: Noted, contributions shall be sought to mitigate impacts of the development, a concern raised by representees.”

“Roads (Development Management) – No objection, subject to conditions relating to a construction management plan, delivery routes, parking, visibility splays and footway connections along with appropriate contributions. Response – Noted, the requested conditions shall be imposed on any permission issued and appropriate contributions sought.”

“Representations 7.1. Following the statutory period of neighbour notification and advertisement, which has been readvertised in association with the increase of dwellinghouses. A total of 6 representations has been received (5 objections, 1 support). The issues raised are summarised as follows:-”

“Concerns relating to additional footpath link and anti-social behaviour • Increase in housing is against nature and global climate emissions • Concerns relating to drainage and historic connections within the site • Concerns on impact on nature conservation • Concerns on impact on road safety • Concerns relating to noise and disturbance • Concerns proposal does not align with Scottish Planning Policy, as it would not contribute positively to the community and exacerbates…”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/24/1561 by Miller Homes Limited and K Selfridge for the erection of a residential development comprising of 64 detached houses, access roads, landscaping, land engineering operations and associated work, including the demolition of a house at land 100 metres north of Beechfield Manor, Meikle Earnock Road, Hamilton be granted subject to:-”

“the conditions specified in the Executive Director’s report • the conclusion of a Section 75 and/or other appropriate agreement between the Council, site owner(s) and the applicant…”

“Grant subject to conditions following conclusion of a legal agreement:-”

“The legal agreement shall cover subject matters of affordable housing, education, roads and community infrastructure. If not agreed within six months of the decision of Committee, the Planning Authority reserve the right to return to Committee to seek refusal of the application.”