An ambitious plan for a sustainable development of eco-homes, live/work units and community facilities at Wellburn Heights, in the village of Lesmahagow, has been given the go ahead by South Lanarkshire Council. The development is believed to be the largest of its type approved in Scotland to date.

Hamilton-based Banks Developments has put forward the proposal to take advantage of a huge surge in the popularity of homeworking. This demand is not being serviced by main stream developers and the Wellburn Heights scheme is therefore set to be a groundbreaking development.

The scheme has been developed in consultation with Lesmahagow Community and has been designed to create a focal point for the northern end of this bustling market town. The provision of community facilities, common public spaces, on site renewable energy production and a focus on creating employment and supporting the local economy means the site is not your typical residential scheme.


A strict design code will be implemented during the construction of the site and Banks intends to maintain and develop the community partnership approach on which the success of the proposal was based, throughout the development of the site.

Tom Brady, Projects Director at Banks Property Development Ltd, said: “We’re obviously extremely pleased that the economic and environmental benefits of the Wellburn Heights proposal have been recognised by South Lanarkshire Council and their response to our application has exhibited a refreshing and forward looking approach to the delivery of sustainable development.

“The enthusiasm and support of Lesmahagow Community Council and the residents of the town itself have provided huge encouragement to Banks and supported our belief in the viability and need for this type of development.

“We are optimistic that this scheme has the capacity to attract new people into the town and to support a strengthening local economy. It will offer something completely new in the marketplace and will we hope be the first of many similar community based and supported developments across Scotland.”

(GK)