A controversial planning application to build eight new houses on green space in Coatbridge is to be determined by a Scottish Government planning reporter.
The plans attracted nearly 150 objections and was refused by North Lanarkshire Council's (NLC) planning committee, leading developers to appeal.
Drumpellier Homes have now referred their proposal to construct eight homes on the amenity area beside Davaar Drive to ministers.
The application is to build eight houses on the open space south of the existing residential development and has been opposed by campaigners from Drumpellier residents’ action group.
Residents insist the green space is well used by the community for dog walking, children’s play and enjoying wildlife; but the developer insists the site is private land which is not specifically designated as amenity space.
Councillors agreed with planning officials’ conclusion that the application should be turned down because the loss of the open space would cause “a significant detrimental impact” on the established residential area and set an unwelcome precedent for similar applications relating to open spaces.
Another issue pertaining to the build is that an acceptable road link cannot be constructed to access the new homes.
A report on the application stated: “The site forms part of the general amenity landscaping provision for the Drumpellier residential development approved in 1971”; and that two 1990s applications saw building on the green space being prevented.
Planners said: “The council’s position is that the proposed site is designed amenity open space which has been well maintained and used by residents for over 49 years.
“It is characterised by well-maintained grass, tree planting and adjoining footpath links, serving the adjacent Drumpellier residential area; records show that this area was included within the general amenity/landscaping provision for the development as originally proposed in 1971.
“NLC Greenspaces advise that, given the popularity of this site and its importance to the local community for exercising their access rights, it would be a huge loss of open amenity space should the development be granted.
“Transportation recommended refusal on the basis that there is no scope to access the site via a road to adoptable standards, a factor of the intended and approved purpose of this area being amenity open space.
“Access cannot be constructed to a safe and adoptable standard; site access lying beyond Golfview Drive is confirmed as unadopted.”
Now a decision on whether the application will be allowed or not will be made by a planning reporter following a site visit and a review of the application, with a target decision date in late October.
The application attracted 147 objections and three letters of support; with those against the proposal outlining concerns including the “irrevocable loss of a valued area of amenity open space”, felling of trees, inadequate existing roads and parking in the area, and potential archaeological value of the site.
Coatbridge North councillor Allan Stubbs told fellow committee members at their virtual meeting: “As the local member I’ve obviously had a lot of contact. I’ve read through the report and it’s quite clear that no planning authority on the planet would approve this.”
Representations were submitted by Coatbridge MP Steven Bonnar and Monica Lennon MSP; while her fellow Central Scotland representative Gillian Mackay of the Greens has also set out her opposition to the development.
She welcomed the council’s stance, saying: “I have had ongoing communication from concerned residents in Drumpellier, and they will continue to have my support in opposing this development.
“This residential proposal would see the removal of a much-loved open space that has been well used by the local community over a number of years; and one of the main concerns residents had was roads.
“I’m pleased planning officers echo the concerns of local residents and that the committee support the recommendations; I will be writing to the relevant minister to voice my support for the residents and would encourage other MSPs to join me in doing so.”
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