South Lanarkshire Council has said hundreds of people have responded to its Local Development Plan.

Recently, a consultation exercise was held and more than 550 "valid" points – both objections to, and support for – the plan's proposals were submitted.

Following a detailed assessment and consideration of the points raised, Councillors on the Planning Committee are in agreement that no changes are necessary, allowing the proposed plan to be submitted for further examination by the Scottish Government.

It is anticipated that a Government-appointed Reporter will examine the Plan and the representations, before issuing a final decision on what the Plan should include by Spring of 2014. The council is required to have the new Plan in place by May of next year.

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The Proposed Local Development Plan includes potential new housing and industrial sites, as well as boundary changes to settlements and town centres.

The plan will also ensure developments are sustainably located, will maximise the use of vacant and derelict land, will utilise renewable energy resources, will be as carbon neutral as possible, and will avoid areas of flood risk.

Michael McGlynn, head of the Council's Planning and Building Standards, said: "The current South Lanarkshire Local Plan was adopted in March 2009 and, since then, has formed the basis of the council's decisions on planning applications.

"It is a hugely important document which is integral to the sustainable, effective and controlled development of our towns and villages. It affects the local economy, our green places, energy production and, ultimately, quality of life.

"A lot of time, effort and commitment have gone into ensuring that this Plan takes everyone's viewpoint into account whilst giving proper consideration to wider national and strategic policy.

"We are grateful to the hundreds who took the time to give us their views and we are confident that the finalised plan is one which will work in the best interests of all who live, work and do business in South Lanarkshire."

(JP/CD)