The go-ahead for the construction of the 19 homes for social rent was given by councillors at this week's Planning Committee which will now see the construction of the 19 homes, including eight cottage flats at the brownfield site at Raploch Street, Larkhall.

Councillor Davie McLachlan, the chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, said: “I am delighted that the committee has granted permission for this development to go ahead which will provide affordable accommodation for the social rented sector.

“Building high quality, affordable and sustainable homes on vacant brownfield land is always welcome and will re-vitalise this vacant urban area, impacting positively on the community as a whole.”

The development by South Lanarkshire Council, in consultation with South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, is the first of a new ‘progressive housing approach’ that aims to increase the number of homes that are suitable to meet particular housing needs across South Lanarkshire, as well as being adaptable as those needs change over time. 

Planning was also granted for the formation of a new access road from Watson Street, pedestrian accesses from Raploch Street and Watson Street, landscaping, fencing and 30 off-street parking spaces.

The development contributes to the council’s ambition to increase the supply of affordable homes across South Lanarkshire and will be jointly funded by the council and the Scottish Government.