Community groups in Cambuslang have hit out at proposed changes to greenspace in the area being given the go-ahead despite objections.
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) last week approved plans by developers Taylor Wimpey to change the terrain behind Mitchell Avenue in Westburn.
Soil from other sites used by the developer will be brought in to reprofile the site, which is home to wildlife such as deer.
The area will be raised slightly before trees and plants are planted, however Halfway Community Council have slammed the decision and say that it will have a negative impact on the animals there.
A spokeswoman for the group said: "This proposal to move substantial amounts of soil to the proposed site is not and has never been part of the approved masterplan at Newton Farm.
"We have concerns that the action of moving, dumping and then landscaping many, many tonnes of soil on this small area of greenbelt would significantly disrupt the natural habitat of the local wildlife on this site.
"They have already had their habitat significantly disturbed by the huge amount of residential development in Newton Farm as witnessed by locals.
"While we understand there is no plan to remove existing trees or shrubs the very action of moving the soil could easily damage and/or destroy nearby plants, trees and shrubs, some of which are protected themselves and some of which we know are the homes and habit of protected species.
"The local community is fed up with the level of disruption and development in this area and wish for the remaining areas of natural greenbelt to remain 'as is' and not to be further disturbed and developed."
Earlier this year we told of Westburn residents concern over the impact of the continual development, with deer being seen in resident's front gardens, having wandered down from the greenspace.
At the time one resident told Lanarkshire Live : "We see these animals walking around in broad daylight looking for food and sleeping in gardens. It’s so sad to see."
The local authority's planning committee previously heard that an ecologist's report, commissioned by the council, found that the proposal would "increase the quality of the open space with new native species while protecting the flora and fauna there."
An SLC spokesman said: “A habitat survey did not disclose the presence of any protected species at this site.
“This is an informal recreation area at the existing Newton Farm estate.
“The planting and regrading once completed will act as a haven for biodiversity and wildlife at the site.”
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