The decision from the Planning and Environment Appeals Division (DPEA) means that East Dunbartonshire Council’s planning board’s original decision to reject plans for 136 homes has been overturned.

Determination has been deferred for a period of 13 weeks to allow for the relevant Planning Agreement to be completed.

CALA said the new development will provide much-needed housing in the area, including the creation of a sensitively designed new neighbourhood with a strong connection to the canal-side setting.

The planning agreement includes a requirement for a Section 75 legal agreement to secure local road junction improvements, an improved footpath along the canal on the development side, on-site affordable housing, monies towards secondary school education, a financial contribution towards the A803 corridor works and a contribution towards sports and recreation.

Graham McNeil, land director for CALA Homes (West), said: “We are pleased with this positive decision from the Scottish Government. We look forward to working with East Dunbartonshire Council on progressing a development that will bring with it many community benefits.”

As part of the plans, 36 affordable homes will be delivered which will help to meet local demand for much needed affordable homes. These will be delivered in two phases with a key phase built in the early stages of development.

In addition to a new village green featuring children’s play space and associated play equipment, there will also be a linear green corridor adjacent to the canal-side in order to maintain, encourage and further promote wildlife and ecological diversity in and around the canal edge.

A diverse selection of housetypes, ranging from one bedroom apartments through to five bedroom family homes, is set to be built on the brownfield site, which had already been allocated for housing within the adopted East Dunbartonshire Local Plan and the approved Local Development Plan.

Mr McNeil added: “We are confident that our proposals will provide high quality housing for families in the town, and will also help to boost the local economy.”