Plans for Hillhouse supermarket are changed

Nov 24 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

PLANS to build a new supermarket on a site in Hillhouse have been revised.

Applicants Macdonald Estates altered their plans to build a “food superstore” in Hillhouse Road after more land became available around the site.

However, supermarket giants Tesco – who have been rumoured to be interested in the site – have said they are not yet involved in the development.

A fresh planning application was registered with South Lanarkshire Council on November 11.

In June this year, the council’s planning committee granted permission in principle to build the proposed supermarket on industrial land between Hillhouse Road and Argyle Crescent.

Planners hoped that the development would be the cornerstone of a planned expansion and improvement of the rundown row of shops and takeaways, which is situated on the land.

The new application was made after the available land for development was increased from 2.985 hectares to 3.375 hectares.

The increase may mean more flexibility for planners should they be given the go-ahead.

According to the new proposals, access to the site has also changed.

But the plan remains largely unaltered.

The developers intend to construct the foodstore and adjoining petrol station, while also altering and improving the existing shopping parade.

Neighbours and nearby businesses were also been consulted about the earlier plans, with most of the responses proving to be positive.

When permission was granted in June, Macdonald Estates confirmed that the supermarket is likely to be run by one of the UK’s “big four” operators – Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

All of them except Tesco already have major stores in Hamilton.

The proposals for the site do not include the nearby former pub, the Hillhouse Inn, nor the William Hill bookmakers.

Part of the proposed development will also be on the site of the former Scottish Milk Dairies, in Argyle Crescent.

Proposals for the site include:

l A new foodstore on the site of the former dairy.

l A petrol station and car wash.

l A car park with spaces for 311 vehicles.

l External refurbishment of the six smaller stores within the shopping arcade.

Residents have the chance to comment on the proposed development until December 2.

The final proposals will go before the planning committee again in the new year.

A council spokesman said: “The developer has been in discussion with the council about acquiring additional land and has submitted a new application to seek permission for a revised site boundary.

“A relocation of the access to the new food store is also proposed. The planned development within the site remains largely unchanged.”