Scottish ministers have given the green light to the first of four strategic development plans (SDPs).

The 20-year plan for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley provides a framework for future planning decisions in eight local authority areas.

It outlines a west to east development corridor parallel to the River Clyde and proposes green infrastructure and a link to rural areas as ways to manage an expected population increase of 66,000 people on 2009 figures by 2025.

Development will be focused on the Clyde waterfront, Clyde Gateway and the new town centre at Ravenscraig, Lanarkshire.

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After the plan's publication, there will be a six-week period in which it can be legally challenged.

Stuart Tait, manager for the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Planning Authority, said the plan had strong support from the local authorities.

He said: "It's been challenging when it comes to identifying priorities but we come from a strong legacy of strategic planning in Scotland."

Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: "The Scottish Government's purpose is to deliver sustainable economic growth for the people of Scotland and this plan will help to do that, identifying potential areas of development which will create jobs and homes for the people of Glasgow and the surrounding areas. As Glasgow grows and the areas surrounding it thrive, this plan will help to ensure that growth is managed sustainably for the future."

Three more SDPs yet to come will cover the country's other largest city regions – Edinburgh, Dundee/Perth and Aberdeen.

(NE/GK)