SAA Gets Go-Ahead For South Lanarkshire Housing Development

Steven Abbott Associates LLP (SAA), has secured outline planning permission for a new housing development on a brownfield site in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire.

The Newtown Partnership is proposing the transformation of the former saw mill, which was also used for the production, storage and distribution of wooden pallets, into a residential scheme comprising 48 dwellings and associated infrastructure, over 1.947 ha. The aim is to create a mix of house types and sizes to complement and broaden the range of housing already available locally. Access to the proposed site will be via the existing roads that served the historic industrial activities, with some modification including the widening of existing footways, improved visibility and links to local transport and facilities in Coalburn.

“We successfully secured the allocation of the site for new housing development in the Local Plan adopted by South Lanarkshire Council. We were confident that, if were able to highlight how the scheme supports the broad planning policy framework for development in Scotland, we could positively progress the plans on behalf of the Newtown Partnership,” said SAA’s Partner, Alastair Skelton.

“Coalburn is a prime example of re-usable land ripe for development. The size and form of the site lends itself to a discreet housing development, which can be accommodated without impinging upon the existing amenities of nearby residential properties. The site will also incorporate landscaped and amenity areas that will have tangible benefits for both the community and the immediate environment.

“Despite initial resistance from the highway authority, it is clear that safe and appropriate access arrangements can be provided to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement from the proposed development, as demonstrated by the Dougall Baillie AssociatesTransportation Statement. In fact, the access arrangements will be significantly improved when compared to the historic industrial situation.”

South Lanarkshire Council were satisfied that SAA’s Planning Statement wholly supported the re-use of the brownfield site within an existing settlement and granted permission subject to standard pre-commencement conditions.

Other Consultants – Dougall Baillie Associates – Transport.

(October 2010)