Invited guests, including the recently formed Cardenden Community Steering Group, set up by developers Banks to give local people the chance to feed back their views on the proposals, will take part in the seminar at the Bowhill Centre, outlining the progress of the scheme so far.

Banks Developments wants to transform the four former mining communities of Auchterderran, Bowhill, Cardenden and Dundonald through housing-led regeneration and sustainable expansion, and will be submitting its eco-town proposals to the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative as an example of best pratice.

However the plans have not been welcomed by everyone in the area, with many claiming the developers just want to make their money through the house building, without any firm commitment to the other proposals which include community regeneration such as a leisure centre, a park and ride rail scheme and even a new town centre.

Others say the town is fine as it is and they do not want it to expand and lose its community spirit.

The proposed scheme includes a wide range of eco housing using the latest technology and renewable energy sources throughout, as well as regeneration of the town, the provision of improved facilities and employment prospects.

Siobhan Samson, community engagement officer at Banks Developments, said: "With such a wide-ranging and comprehensive scheme, it's crucial that we make every effort to keep key parties as well as the local community involved, so that they can have real input into the proposals, ensuring they are deliverable.

"This seminar is the latest stage of our communication process, and gives us a chance to bring everyone up to speed on the progress we've been making over the last few months.

"The Cardenden eco-town has the potential to set the gold standard for sustainable design in Scotland, and we will continue to liaise with the community and those involved over the next few months as we refine the plans for the development."