The application was unanimously approved by the planning board, subject to conditions and conclusion of a legal agreement, with a council report noting it would “create an attractive neighbourhood and regenerate this site”.

CALA will now progress the associated legal documentation and technical consents required to deliver the private housing mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom semi-detached houses, three and four-bedroom townhouses, and four and five-bedroom detached houses, which will meet a range of housing needs.

The carefully designed proposals will redevelop less than 30% of the application area, creating a large area of managed open space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

The development will see an investment by CALA in excess of £35 million with the potential to create over 100 direct and indirect employment opportunities and generate an annual council tax income of over £350,000 for the council.

There will also be significant contributions towards local education provision; improvements to the A803 corridor; extensive managed open space, featuring enhanced biodiversity and habitat creation; and installation/upgrading of a variety of pedestrian paths, including road crossing facilities on Kilsyth Road.

Graham McNeil, land director for CALA Homes (West), said: “We are delighted that East Dunbartonshire Council have approved our proposed development of 163 homes at Broomhill. CALA will now enter a period of legal and technical due diligence.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the council to deliver much-needed homes in the town, bringing a disused and vacant site back into meaningful usage.

“We are currently targeting a site start in early 2019 with first residents expected to move in in 2020.

“We feel that our careful and considered approach, together with our tailored design response to the site, will prove popular with the community and potential homebuyers.”

NHSGGC director of estates and facilities, Tom Steele, said: “NHSGGC are pleased to be able to leave a legacy for the town of Kirkintilloch from the sale of the former Broomhill Hospital site to CALA Homes.

“The new housing will regenerate this part of the town whilst creating a pleasant, safe space for the local community to continue to use.”