The council’s planning committee this morning approved a proposal to build more than 380 new houses in Cambuslang – at the same time securing a future site for at least 50 new council houses (subject to a further planning application).

A detailed planning application on behalf of Persimmon Homes was given the go ahead by councillors for an 8.6 hectare site off the town’s Gilbertfield Road.

The area has been earmarked for development in successive Local Plans, however, following detailed discussions between the applicant and the council’s housing services, the proposal put before councillors now includes a contribution towards new council house-building targets. In addition, a proportion of the new private houses will be marketed as affordable ‘starter homes’ for first time buyers.

Pauline Elliott, head of the council’s planning and economic development, said: “Through these discussions, the council has secured land for affordable housing at the site which will be in the form of serviced land for up to 54 new homes. A financial contribution towards off-site provision will also be included.

“Not only will this be a boost to increasing the supply of council housing, but with a proportion of the private homes to be low-cost starter homes, this development could also give many local people and families an opportunity to get onto the housing ladder.”

In detail, this morning’s application includes:

The development will be accessed via three points along Gilbertfield Road and the footpath links will be provided throughout the site.

Also approved at this yesterday’s special meeting of the planning committee was a development of 37 new homes in Rutherglen adapted for a range of needs.

The detailed application by Merchant Homes Partnership Ltd and Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association, focuses on the site of the former Glenroyal Nursery on Cathcart Road.

The proposal will also see the demolition of a number of disused and dilapidated buildings which have fallen into disrepair since the nursery ceased trading several years ago.

Members of the committee welcomed the plans which will see adapted accommodation for people with a range of needs - primarily elderly tenants - including:

Pauline Elliott added: “This proposal involves the erection of accommodation for which the applicants have identified a shortfall in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area. The site will contain only affordable housing for social rent through a registered provider, offering a boost to the range of tenure available in the area.”