April 1 is D-Day for Owenstown decision

New town...decision will be made on April 1 by South Lanarkshire Council, following TWO meetings to discuss the massive development. Watch this space for news updates on Tuesday!

WHAT many see as the most important planning decision in Clyesdale’s post-war history takes place next week.

On Tuesday, South Lanarkshire Council decides whether or not to grant planning permission to Owenstown, a planned new community in the Douglas Valley.

The planning application from the Hometown Foundation masterminding the project is judged so important for this area’s future, it will take TWO council meetings on Tuesday to reach the big decision; first a meeting of the planning committee, followed by a full council meeting, expected to rubber-stamp that decision.

Supporters of the plan, which would see 3000 new homes being built along with shops, industries and even its own school, were heartened by last week’s UK government support for a similar new ‘garden city’ scheme in England.

However, the Gazette understands council planners will recommend refusal as Owentown is against development policies.

Keep an eye out on our website for the decision on Tuesday and don’t miss next week’s Gazette for the full story.