‘Allot’ going on at derelict site

Former sports centre is going green

A“derelict”and“contaminated” site in Burnhill which has “lain empty for sometime” is set to redeveloped by South Lanarkshire Council.

Councillors formally approved plans for a raised bed food growing site at the former Burnhill Sports Centre, pictured, on Tuesday, August 10.

East Kilbride East councillor Graham Scott said this was “the right application at the right time” after applications for allotments had “sky-rocketed”.

Following the demolition of the sports centre, the concrete slab and car park have remained on site and the plans would see these retained.

A liner and stones will be used to level the site and add extra distance between the raised beds and the ground which was contaminated by the former Whites Chemical Company.

Planning and building standards manager Tina Meikle told the planning committee that environmental services were content with the proposals because “the ground isn’t being disturbed”.

Chromium VI is largely suspected to be present on the site because of its proximity to where the old Whites Chemical Factory was situated.

Often used as a catalyst in the chemical manufacturing industry, Chromium VI is extremely harmful and carcinogenic.

Cllr Scott added: “That ground can never be opened up. The fact they are utilising it as a raised bed allotment is wonderful.

“It allows disabled people access to the allotment movement.”

In total, nine local residents objected to the proposals with concerns over the lack of consultation and the use of the site.

No formal consultation is required with a development of this size however, neighbours were notified of the proposals.

Ms Meikle said that “pre-planning consultation is encouraged” and that notification of the development was carried out “as per the legislation”.

Questions were also asked of the look of the development and if it would benefit local residents.

Ms Meikle added that there would be a “waiting list” and that “sites will be allocated in a similar way to the allotments”.

South Lanarkshire Council are in talks with community groups in Burnhill to ensure some of the raised beds are utilised by the local community.

Ms Meikle said: “The proposal involves the reuse of the site which has been lying vacant since the demolition.

“The site is a potential ground contamination site and for that reason the hard standing would remain and the growing area would be designed to sit on top of the existing, retained concrete slab.

“The ground beneath that wouldn’t be disturbed. A liner and stones would be used to level the site and provide additional distance from the ground.

“There would also be two containers within the site to act as storage for equipment and materials.

“They are also proposing a small seating area and compost bay together with a portable toilet.

“There are no objections from consultees.

“Environmental services were consulted and there was a report done in terms of the contamination.

“My understanding is, because the ground isn’t being disturbed and the beds are raised, then that is acceptable to them.

“With regard to the site itself, the proposal would see the redevelopment of the site.

“It has lain empty for sometime and it’s fairly much a derelict site but local groups would be able to access it and food growing.”