The 18-hectare site at Mid Forest has capacity for up to 300 residential units, with 25% to be affordable homes, and the development should include play facilities and landscaping.

Mid Forest is adjacent to Abronhill, and close to the town centre, Cumbernauld and Greenfaulds train stations, and the M80 and A73. The site is also bounded by Palacerigg Country Park, the Luggiebank Scottish Wildlife Trust wildlife reserves and Forest Wood.

This is the first portion of land to be sold within South Cumbernauld CGA, which was established in 2012, and includes two areas of land - Mid Forest and Palacerigg. Development of the site is directed by a Strategic Development Framework which sets out guidance for future planning applications.

The Framework, which was approved in June 2016 following public consultation, sets out principles to ensure developments in the CGA meet the needs of the community, link effectively with infrastructure such as the transport network and education facilities, have high standards of design and build, and be environmentally sustainable.

Planning permission in principle was granted in August 2019 for a total of 600 homes across the full site. The second portion of the CGA site will be marketed for sale at a later date.

“The sale of this land is an important step for the future of South Cumbernauld, opening up Mid Forest for much-needed new homes in an attractive location, close to local amenities,” said Councillor Bob Burrows, convener of the finance and resources committee.

“We have set out guidelines for the way this land should be developed, to ensure a high standard of housing and environment for the people who will live in these new properties and the existing neighbouring communities.”

The initial closing date for offers on the site is 14 January 2021, when the council will assess the proposals and agree a shortlist of bidders. A comprehensive scrutiny and assessment of the bids will be carried out, before a report is considered by the Finance and Resources Committee by the middle of next year.

The successful bidder will have to apply for detailed planning permission for the housing on the site.

For more information on the sale of the Mid Forest site, visit the council website or email propertysales@northlan.gov.uk.