HIGHLY controversial proposals to build thousands of “affordable homes” in Kilsyth have all but been dismissed.

Last year North Lanarkshire was told by a Scottish Government agency that too few sites had been earmarked for homes in the local plan - the planning “bible” for the area.

The plots the agency wanted to see added would have made space for more than 2000 new houses, many of them on green belt land.

But following consultation the proposals for the most controversial sites have been ruled out. And while some surrounding villages may still be developed this is seen as having a more beneficial effect.

Local resident Bill Hughes was dismayed when he heard of the original plans - but this week hailed the climbdown as “a victory for common sense.”

For the full story, see your Kilsyth Chronicle - out now.