PLANS to build an underpass as part of a multi-million-pound development in Robroyston and Millerston could be scrapped.

That’s after developers claimed it would be more appropriate to build a footbridge over the M80.

It’s the latest stage in a plan to build up to 1,600 homes and a train station in the north-east of the city.

As part of the plans, retail units, health and leisure facilities, a primary school and a hotel are to be built on each side of the motorway.

Permission was granted in 2011 for the project, with approval given for the station and park-and-ride facilities last year.

Glasgow City Council have pumped £10million into the project, which has also received funding from Transport Scotland, SPT, Network Rail, Elmford Ltd, Park Lane and Stewart Milne Homes.

But, in a statement to the council, Turley, the developers’ agents, said: “In view of the passage of time since planning permission in principle was granted, the conditions attached to the consent have been subject to a review to ensure that they remain relevant to delivery of development at Robroyston Community Growth Area (CGA).

“On account of this review, and ongoing discussions with Transport Scotland over recent years, it is considered that provision of a new underpass under the M80 is no longer the most appropriate approach to meeting the travel needs of the current and future residents of the Robroyston CGA.

“Instead, it is proposed to provide a new footbridge over the M80 to accommodate pedestrian and cycle movements between the northern and southern sections of the Robroyston CGA.

“The proposed footbridge will provide a high-quality pedestrian link across the M80 motorway, which will contribute to the promotion and facilitation of walking and cycling.”

Planning bosses are expected to decide on plans for the new footbridge later this year.

It comes after a report to councillors last year said that building the new station would speed-up housebuilding at Robroyston on both sides of the M80.

It is expected that 750 of the 800 homes on the south side of the motorway will be built in the next three years, with the other 800 on the north side also being accelerated.

It’s expected that completion of the new development will bring an extra £14.2m to Glasgow each year.