A NEW project will see up to 3000 homes being built in the North of Glasgow.

Scottish Canals has launched its Corporate Plan for 2020-23 which sets out the vision for the organisation over the next three years.

This year, a partnership with Glasgow City Council and Scottish Water will see Scottish Canals commission Glasgow’s Smart Canal; integrating predictive weather and sensor technology with the historic Forth & Clyde Canal to manage surface water.

This will allow for up to 3000 new homes to be built in the area, whilst reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

Officially named the North Glasgow Integrated Water Management System, the project will see North Glasgow passively absorb, clean and use rainfall intelligently.

Read more: Development plans for the North of Glasgow unveiled by council

Advanced warning of heavy rainfall will automatically trigger a lowering of the canal water level to create capacity for surface water run-off.

Health inequality remains a key challenge that Scottish Canals will continue to invest in over the course of the next three years, building on the successes of North Glasgow’s transformation to ensure the canals not only continue delivering greater public value but inform policy decisions that lead to better health outcomes for those living next to the canal.

Catherine Topley, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “I am delighted to launch our Corporate Plan 2020-23, which sets out an ambitious vision for Scottish Canals to create world-class waterways over the next three years.

“From investing in the canal infrastructure, our tourist attractions and rural destinations to showing how they help tackle health inequalities in some of our most disadvantaged communities, we can ensure that our canals continue to deliver great public value for the people of Scotland.

“Whilst our plan launches in uncertain times for all, at Scottish Canals we are confident we can achieve our ambition to ensure Scotland’s inland waterways continue to thrive, providing places to play, work, study and live for many years to come.”