South Lanarkshire Council has agreed new planning guidelines for a Conservation Area in Strathaven.

Both the Strathaven Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) and Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) were approved by councillors today, 24 January.

The documents will provide a more detailed guidance and advice on the area's special characteristics. In addition, the guidelines will be considered as material consideration in the determination of planning applications in the area.

The changes will help support the ongoing £1.5 million Strathaven Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). The five-year project provides financial assistance for conservation area based regeneration initiatives.

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As well as funding from the council and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), additional cash from a range of other sources has also been pulled together for:

• a repairs programme for priority projects

• a small grants scheme for homeowners or tenants

• shopfront improvements works

• community engagement through training opportunities and education programmes

• public realm works administration costs, including the appointment of a dedicated project officer

Cllr Hugh Dunsmuir said: "The CARS project will play an important role in protecting and enhancing the character of Strathaven Conservation Area as set out in the CAMP approved today.

"We are working with our partners to enhance and safeguard this conservation area, contribute to the vitality and viability of Strathaven town centre and, by default, the town itself, so I welcome today's decisions as another key part of that equation."

(LM/MH)