A construction firm has revealed its shock and disappointment following North Lanarkshire Council’s refusal to approve revised proposals for new homes on a derelict brownfield site in Wishaw.
The planning application – the JR Group’s second for the former Ex-Servicemen’s Club site on Main Street – was lodged after the council’s first refusal of the plans back in 2020.
The planning committee voted 9-8 against the proposals during a meeting which was aired online.
Gary McGregor, managing director for the JR Group, who hails from Wishaw, said: “To say we’re disappointed with the decision is an understatement. We’re baffled by it.
“To have specifically addressed each and every element of feedback from the planning authority, minuted the meeting, issued confirmation in advance of the application, to then have the application refused, is in itself bizarre.
“Then for a refusal at appeal, given the fact that both the council and the local RSL [registered social landlord] are in support of the project, is even worse.
“To refuse planning for affordable homes, on a contaminated brownfield site which has funding support is unbelievable.
“The site, which would have undergone a total transformation, will now remain a derelict contaminated brownfield site with hoarding removed and will eventually be put up for sale or let.
“Given my connection to the area, I understand how saddening that will be for local residents and those on the waiting list for a new home.
“North Lanarkshire Council has a responsibility to fulfil its mandate and realise its strategic ambitions around the redevelopment of brownfield sites for the benefit of the local community.
“By refusing to grant planning for only 12 much-needed affordable homes, two-hundred yards from the Main Street is baffling.”
Recommending the plans for refusal, the council report states: “Overall, whilst the proposal is in most respects an improvement over the previously refused design, it is still considered that the proposal would be an overdevelopment of the site.
“Although there is considered to be potential for a small flatted development here, its design would require to address the height differential with the adjacent properties and it is difficult to envisage as many as 12 flats being accommodated on the site.”
Neighbours also voiced their displeasure at the application.
One objector noted: “The proposed building is totally out of character with neighbouring houses. The closest neighbours are single storey bungalow type housing.
“Parking would also be a problem with a roundabout being so close to the site. Any excess cars would have to park on the street near the roundabout or in nearby streets like Cleland Road.
“The last application that was denied suggested the development site was recommended for a single storey to be in keeping with the neighbourhood.
“Put yourself in our shoes, how would you feel if someone was trying to put a boundary wall over your or a family member’s property and build an intimidating towering block of flats?”
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