Earlier this week Banks Developments, a property developer based in Hamilton, announced a proposal to create nearly 5,000 new eco-houses of various designs and produce the first eco-town in Scotland. The town would harness local natural resources, use newly constructed recycling facilities and the homes would be certified ‘green’ and environmentally-friendly.
The proposed site is near the town of Cardenden and Banks Developments hopes to use this development as the blueprint for replicating the town throughout Scotland. The development would consist of a mix of apartments both detached and semi-detached, terraced apartments and other affordable homes according to Banks’ representatives.
With highly optimistic hopes, Colin Anderson, managing director for Banks Development said, “The proposals we are putting for Cardenden will set new standards in the delivery of zero carbon developments in Scotland. Sustainable, high-quality communities such as this will make a significant contribution to creating the prosperous and low-carbon Scottish economy that is the country’s stated future ambition.”
Banks Development had shown roughly generalized plans to the community last October however, they have not submitted a formal application to the Fife Council. At the moment, the Cardenden proposal doesn’t fit into the development map layouts for where new houses can be developed.
Although Banks Development is pushing for public approval at the moment, Robin Presswood, the Business and Strategy Manager with the Fife Council said, “Council planners have met representatives of the developer promoting the major development at Cardenden and have advised that, at this time, it does not comply with Fife Council’s planning policies.”
It appears as though Banks’ efforts for Cardenden are not the only proposals for eco-friendly developments. Approximately 10 bids have been submitted for such developments in England. However, there is also a small level of opposition coming from residents near the proposed sites. They express concerns regarding the actual impact of such developments on the existing communities.
