Plans for 1400 new homes in Cumbernauld take step forward
Other features of the development include new or upgraded road and footpath access, shops, and play areas with significant amounts of existing woodland to be retained.
The committee was not unanimous as Councillor Adam Smith (SNP, Cumbernauld East) moved against granting planning permission. He said the community growth area sites has experienced problems with polluted water courses, flooding and disruption from road closures.
Councillor Smith also said that he was under the impression the required amount of affordable housing was 25% rather than 20, although he was advised the proposed amount was in keeping with current policy.
READ MORE: Major plans revealed to close two police stations
Other members expressed concern over the impact on education and health services, particularly given the current shortage of GPs.
Councillor Smith then tabled to refuse on the grounds that the proposed £5.6 million contribution to enhance education provision in the area was inadequate, but this was outvoted 17-3 by the committee in favour of granting the application in principle and subject to a list of conditions.
The report on the proposals also gave details of 72 representations received during public consultation, of which 71 were objections and one was in support. Among the objectors were Carbrain and Hillcrest Community Council, which cited environmental damage and potential impact on society, local services and infrastructure and community group People Opposing Palacerigg Planning Application.
In addition to the concerns raised by the community council, objectors mentioned loss of greenbelt, traffic and road safety, noise and loss of privacy, and drainage while also claiming insufficient effort had been made to engage with the public about the proposals.
The letter of support referred to safe pedestrian links, including through the
industrial area to the train station and town centre, traffic control, active travel including safe routes to school and the phased approach to the development.
The report responded to the other points of objection, saying the site was not designated greenbelt, the proposals included several improvements to travel networks, and other issues could be adequately addressed through the conditions attached to planning permission. The report also highlighted the job creation aspect of the development which is expected to see a monthly average of 147 people employed during construction, predominantly residents of North Lanarkshire.
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