Plans to redevelop the site of the old Wishaw Ex-Servicemen’s Club have been rejected by North Lanarkshire Council.
The council’s planning department had received an application from the JR Group and MAST Architects to build a three storey block of 12 flats, with associated landscaping and car parking, on the Main Street site.
However, the plans were thrown out by council planners for the second time in as many years.
The council report states: “Overall, whilst the proposals 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 carefully, and it is difficult to envisage as many as 12 flats being accommodated on the site.”
Neighbours also voiced their displeasure at the proposed 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 and published in the local newspaper suggested that 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 someone trying to put a boundary wall over your or a family members property and build an intimidating towering block of flats?”
Wishaw Ex-Servicemen’s Club, first opened its doors in 1953 but closed its doors for the final time back in January 2018.
In July 2019, the council gave the go-ahead to demolish the building.
The council report added: “Whilst the site is suitable for residential development, the proposed three-storey building would amount to an overdevelopment of the site.
“The upper flats would cause overlooking of neighbouring gardens while the proposed parking layout and narrowing of the public footway are also considered to be unacceptable.”
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