The green light has been given for a £10million garden centre complex in East Kilbride which could create 150 jobs.

A detailed proposal by Dobbies Garden Centres plc to develop a 6.2 hectare site in the town's Redwood Drive was given the go-ahead by the South Lanarkshire council's Planning Committee.

And, in addition to the 150 full and part-time jobs, it is anticipated that additional employment will be created throughout the construction phase.

Work on the centre will kick-start a wider mixed use development - which already has planning permission in principle - and for which a superstore is also proposed.

Hailed as an 'environmentally-friendly garden leisure destination for all the family', the development will include:

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•Timber frame garden centre with glass elevations and metal roof

• Contemporary restaurant and farm food hall selling locally grown produce

• 388 car parking spaces

• Horticultural interpretation centre

• Demonstration gardens

• Specialist aquatics department

• Eco garden with allotments and landscaping

• Children's play area

The centre will sell a variety of plants, shrubs and trees from local nurseries.

The development will provide footpath links to the surrounding area and landscaped setting for the outdoor facilities including the eco garden and play area.

It is anticipated that work could start on site in the near future.

Councillor Patrick Ross-Taylor, the depute chair of the Planning Committee, said: "This proposal marks a £10m investment in East Kilbride, a much-needed jobs boost and a new and exciting focus for visitors to our area.

"This would be great news at any time, but in the current financial climate, it is surely a hugely welcome development.

"The fact that Dobbies is committed to recruiting local people and promoting local produce will undoubtedly ensure that the benefits will be felt, not solely in East Kilbride, but across the wider South Lanarkshire economy."

(GK)