The development at Hamilton International Technology Park (HITP) includes plans for state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students and lecturers, sports amenities and new student accommodation.

Despite being contrary to the local development plan, the planning permission in principle for the campus was deemed justified by the local authority’s planning committee because the relocation of the university would create “significant economic benefits” and there would be no adverse impact on the Green Belt.

UWS had earlier cancelled proposals to move its Hamilton campus to the Eurocentral industrial estate on the M8 east of Glasgow following extensive consultation with the local authority, stakeholders, students and staff.

The move will also see the west side of HITP become the UWS Technology and Innovation Park, housing UWS’s research and commercial activities.

A UWS spokesman told The Herald: “We are delighted that consent for this proposed campus has been granted by South Lanarkshire Council.

“The new campus is subject to final approval being given by the university’s governing body at a meeting at the end of June. This meeting will see Court consider the findings of the full business case which was recently undertaken.

“If approved by Court, the new campus will be a game-changer for higher education in Scotland, creating the country’s most dynamic and exciting learning environment, allowing UWS to grow the educational opportunities for students internationally, across the UK, Lanarkshire and the wider central belt.”