Flats to be built on former Sivertrees Hotel site

Nov 5 2009 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

PLANS for 60 flats on the site of a former Bothwell hotel were this week given the green light.

The council’s planning committee approved developer Gilchrist and Lynn’s application for two blocks of flats – one four storeys high and the other five storeys high – with underground parking.

The Silverwells Crescent location, formerly occupied by the Silvertrees Hotel, had been lying vacant since the hotel’s demolition several years ago.

A previous application to build 96 flats on the site had been refused planning permission in 2007.

Sixteen letters of objection to the scheme were lodged with planners, the majority from householders adjacent to the site, covering matters like overdevelopment, traffic congestion and neighbours’ privacy.

Opponents also felt the proposal was out of keeping with the surrounding area and Bothwell Conservation Area, which the development borders.

However, planning chief Colin McDowall told the planning committee that he did not accept the objectors’ views on issues like privacy and overdevelopment.

He also commented: “The application site is located adjacent to, rather than within, the Bothwell Conservation Area. However, given the site’s close proximity to the Conservation Area, the proposal has been assessed carefully in terms of its design and materials, and its relationship with the surrounding development.

“While the proposed buildings are of a contemporary design, the site is located in an area where there is a mix of both traditional and more modern building styles and I am satisfied that the proposal incorporates a high quality design and a suitably high standard of materials, including a mix of sandstone and render, to ensure the buildings will not be out of character with surrounding development.”

Mr McDowall further stressed that the scheme would improve the appearance of the area.

“The application involves the re-use of a brownfield site for housing which conforms with both national and local policy guidance,” he said.

“The site has been lying vacant for a number of years and in its present condition is considered to be detrimental to the general amenity of the area.”

Planning consent conditions included the submission of a ‘sustainable urban drainage system’ which would have to be approved prior to the occupation of the development.

Gilchrist and Lynn have also agreed to contribute £36,000 towards the upgrade of community recreational facilities in lieu of providing a play area at the site.