A new £15 million housing development on part of Peel Park on the outskirts of East Kilbride has been given planning consent by South Lanarkshire Council.

Developers London & Scottish Investments are in the process of transferring the land to house builders Balfour Beatty who will construction 89 much-needed family homes to their usual high standards.

There will be a mix of 67 properties for private sale and 22 on-site affordable houses. It is intended that the affordable properties will be transferred into the ownership of East Kilbride Housing Association (EKHA).

Bryan Wilson, development director with London & Scottish Investments, said: “I am delighted that this development has been granted planning permission, for several reasons.

“The first is that it will provide a really good mix of family homes for sale and affordable homes, managed by the local housing association, for those with social needs.

“I am also delighted to see this five-acre site being transformed from derelict, non-productive land to an area making a significant contribution to East Kilbride’s prosperity and amenities.”

Mr Wilson said that he expects construction work to start before the end of the year. The affordable homes will be delivered as a single early phase with the private homes expected to be completed over the course of approximately the next two years.

Mr Wilson added: “We very much hope this will be a first step for Peel Park.

“We are currently in talks with South Lanarkshire council over our plans to develop the remainder of Peel Park as a new retail park which could provide a major boost to the local economy, without impacting on the town centre.”