Land deal will pave the way for 300 new homes in Abronhill - and that is just for starters

The 18-hectare site at Mid Forest which lies adjacent to Abronhill has capacity for up to 300 new homes -a quarter of which will fit into the affordable housing bracket.

This is the first portion of land to be sold within the so-called South Cumbernauld Community Growth Area, which was established in 2012, and also includes a portion of Palacerigg.

The framework for the project was the site of a public consultation featured in this newspaper and was approved back in 2016.

Planning permission in principle was granted in August 2019 for a total of 600 homes across the full site. The second portion of the CGA site will be marketed for sale at a later date.

Councillor Bob Burrows, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee said: “The sale of this land is an important step for the future of South Cumbernauld, opening up Mid Forest for much-needed new homes in an attractive location, close to local amenities,”

“We have set out guidelines for the way this land should be developed, to ensure a high standard of housing and environment for the people who will live in these new properties

The initial closing date for offers on the site is January 14 2021, when a shortlist of bidders will be drawn up. The council’s Finance and Resources Committee will make a decision by the middle of next year.

And the successful bidder will have to apply for detailed planning permission for the housing on the site.

MSP Jamie Hepburn said: “This may help ensure that we have a supply of new homes for families in the area.

“One of the best features of Cumbernauld is the abundance of accessible green space we have. If housing is to be built here, then it must ensure that this is taken account of. It must also have access to local amenities factored in as well.”

Ward Councillor Tom Johnstone said that he did not want the project to converge uphill to Palacerigg too heavily but stated: “I welcome this development.

“The new housing will create extra pupils for primary and secondary schools in south Cumbernauld. This will enhance the future of these schools. Most new housing in recent years has been north of the M80. This south development will redress the balance.”