The council has set an ambitious target to deliver 1,300 new homes across South Lanarkshire in the next five years These high-quality and energy-efficient homes will reflect the growing need for affordable housing across Scotland and will be supported by Scottish Government grant funding The council also has the option to buy back former council homes to meet particular needs in high demand areas The criteria for this has recently been extended and properties can now be bought back directly from owners where they are registered as long-term empty or where a landlord is participating in the private-rented sector and intends to sell their property An update on recently completed new build developments as well as those currently underway across South Lanarkshire Strathaven is a development of 20 flats and is located within the centre of Strathaven’s conservation area The development comprises a three and four-storey block with lift and wheelchair access Parking is available at the rear courtyard The development has been built to meet specific Planning requirements to ensure it is in keeping with the conversation area.  Features include a slate roof Sharon Egan recently visited the development to see how work is progressing (featured on the front cover) and said: “This development will provide much needed new affordable homes in the town and I’m pleased it blends in well with the surrounding area.” There are two exciting developments underway in Hamilton To mark the start of our development at Brackenhill Farm a sod cutting event took place in May 2023 with representatives from Taylor Wimpey and the council.  Fifty new homes for social rent are being built at this site (just north of Meikle Earnock Road) which is part of the Hamilton Community Growth Area.  The development will comprise 16 cottage flats and 34 family homes of varying sizes Our development at Wellhall Road (the former Philips Factory site) will provide 40 homes consisting of 18 two-storey flats with three of the six ground floor flats wheelchair accessible There is also a range of two and three bedroom terraced houses and completion is expected early 2024 Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources said: “Our new target follows on from the delivery of our previous target of 1,000 new council homes and shows our commitment to delivering affordable housing that suits the varying needs of the people living in South Lanarkshire.” Employment support for care experienced young people Bold course set for health and social care in South Lanarkshire Elmer having a jungle adventure in Lanark next month Award for charity that connects people with jobs New Education director for South Lanarkshire Pupils’ voices heard as school wins award Have your say on future of council buildings Good_sports_are_a_perfect_match_for_each_other Find out more about what's happening in South Lanarkshire The plans will see one site with 628 homes, including social housing, and the other with 153 houses.  Last week, elected members approved plans to build two closeby developments west of Strathaven Road in the town as part of the community growth area. The developments were proposed by Cala Homes and Barratt Homes and although both sites were dealt with separately, they are joined together.  The plans will see one site with 628 homes, including social housing, and the other with 153 houses.  Plans will also include road reconstructions with a new roundabout from Strathaven, and a crossing over the Cadzow Burn which will allow Strathaven Road and Meikle Earnock Road to be linked – which is a key component of the Hamilton Community Growth Area.  Councillor Helen Toner, Hamilton South, raised concerns about the huge development and the impact on surrounding residents.  She said: “The concern from the residents is the same as the development on the other side of Meikle Earnock Road, with the transport links, the roads and increased traffic. “It is a bit concerning that the two sites are running back to back and in very close proximity, even though they are on opposite sides of the road. Again, no objection as such but just a concern that we are going to have the same issues arising here as we would have on the other side of the road. “The other point I was going to raise is about the Cadzow Burn. I’ve had residents raise the concern that the Cadzow Burn has in recent years been getting bigger, there’s a lot more water flowing through it and there’s a lot more sewage issues and things like that. “Overflow pipes from the main sewers are going into Cadzow Burn and this has been an issue and some of the residents have said it’s only happened since the work further up Meikle Earnock Road. So it’s a concern building over Cadzow Burn, I’m not opposed but I am concerned about the effect on the Cadzow Burn and the increase of traffic in the area.” The council’s roads development management team have no objections to the development given conditions including a bus service strategy, parking and a traffic management plan is met.  The development with 628 homes will include 49 affordable units, and the house types will range from cottage flats, terraces, semi-detached and detached house types with a mix of three, four and five bedroom accommodation. Each home will have dedicated parking.  Statutory neighbour notification was undertaken for the development and it received 16 letters of representation, two letters of support and one letter of comment.  Concerns were raised around appropriate transport, medical facilities or school provisions however relevant transport links, education and other services will be included as key elements of the Hamilton Growth Area.  The development with 153 homes will include a range of semi-detached and detached house types which will provide a mix of three, four and five bedroom accommodation.  Council officers recommended the proposals due to it creating high quality housing developments on a vacant site. STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" Hamilton Sheriff Court.(Image: Hamilton Advertiser)A drink-fuelled row led to a Lanarkshire man putting a ligature around his partner's neck and pulling it tight the woman managed to free herself and fled the house she was in David Russell, 34, admitted assaulting his long-term partner at an address in Meikle Earnock Road, Hamilton The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now Get all the news from your area – as well as features sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android said the couple had been drinking and an argument broke out She told the court: "The victim entered the hallway "The accused followed and put a length of fabric around her neck but she managed to remove it over her head and ran outside "She returned to her home address and contacted the police "Officers who spoke to her noted she had bruising around her neck but she told them she didn't require medication." Russell claimed his partner had tried to hit him and he put his arms around her to stop her Russell has been in custody since his arrest in December and defence agent Gregor Jarrott said he has used the time "to address his various addiction and health problems" Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence until next month for background reports Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!