Council considers bid for new town

Nov 29 2012

A planning application for a new town named after social reformer Robert Owen has been lodged.

South Lanarkshire Council will consider the proposals for Owenstown, 3,200 affordable homes in the Douglas Valley near Lanark.

A decision is expected next year.

Robert Owen improved the lives and working conditions of mill workers at New Lanark 200 years ago.

Planners of the new town say it will be self-sufficient, eco-friendly and run on a co-operative basis by residents.

The Hometown Foundation, established to help build new self-sustainable communities and regenerate run-down areas, is behind the project.

If given the go-ahead, the town will be built on a 2,000-acre site near the existing village of Rigside and would eventually provide homes for 8,000 people.

Recycled waste would be used to produce energy to heat homes and the town`s transport would be powered by renewable sources, planners said.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/(South Lanarkshire Council)