Council planners have booted out a bid to build almost 130 homes in Cleland for the second time in less than a year.
The proposals for the 4.9-hectare site to the west of Wishaw Low Road were rejected by NLC’s planning sub-committee after councillors voted to bin the plans by 14 votes to seven.
A previous application had been thrown out in October.
The council planning report states: “The proposed development is contrary to the Development Plan as it is zoned Green Belt.
“The proposal does not constitute sustainable development, it has not been demonstrated that a need exists for housing at this location. There is sufficient housing land available and didn’t demonstrate the need to develop this site.
“There is no need for social or affordable housing at this location.”
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The new application had 11 letters of objection with two letters of support.
One objector, Ann Bowman, stated: “The local schools and amenities do not have the capacity to support such a large development.
“There are other sites in the local area that are also possibly being earmarked for development like the site of the Cleland Club and Cleland Hospital and this proposed development will only exacerbate the negative impact on the local road infrastructure and parking facilities that the most recent housing developments in Cleland have had.”
Another objector, Mark Logan, added: “Granting permission will set a precedent allowing for future developments further along Wishaw Low Road in adjacent fields.
“The land is designated green belt and this plan does not align with the local development plan.”
Those in support of the application stated that Cleland needs new affordable homes and the development would increase numbers in schools, help create a bigger community and be beneficial to local shops and businesses.
Cleland councillor Cameron McManus believes the views of nearby residents were taken into consideration.
However, the SNP member for Murdostoun believes more homes do need to be built in the village.
Councillor McManus said: “There were more objections to the plans from residents this time around compared to the previous application.
“However, there is no doubt that we do still need new affordable houses to be built here.
“Since the last application was refused there have been even more people on the waiting list for a house.
“I believe it may be up to around 1,400 people waiting for a house in Cleland and that can’t continue.”
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