D-day for drive-thru plans at Flemington

A new development at Flemington Industrial Estate is set to be given the go-ahead despite a string of objections from locals.

Plans for a petrol station, drive-thru coffee shop and drive-thru restaurant are likely to be given the green light at this week’s North Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Committee meeting on Thursday.

The council report states: “The proposal is considered to be an acceptable departure from the adopted Local Plan and is acceptable in terms of its transportation and environmental impacts.

“The proposed development is not of significant scale to have a significant impact on the other retail centres within Wishaw and Motherwell and is considered to meet a localised demand for such services.

“The proposed commercial development is considered to be an acceptable departure in this instance given the site’s identification as having alternative development potential within the Local Plan designation for the site which recognises the current challenges to industrial development within this location.

“Furthermore the proposals would not result in a detrimental impact on the remainder of the operations of the existing industrial area.”

A total of 33 objections were received including one from local SNP councillor Agnes Magowan outlining concerns in relation to the proliferation of fast food outlets in the area, impact on efforts to alleviate obesity and promote healthy living and the potential impact on existing businesses within the industrial site.

Two representations in support of the application and two objecting were received outwith the notification period.

One objector to the plans stated: “The area of Motherwell and Wishaw do not require further fast food restaurants.

“There are already four within a 1.5 miles radius of Flemington roundabout.

“What does this say to our children and young adults when we flood the area with these kinds of businesses?”

Another added: “Traffic at this roundabout is already too busy.

“I have seen personally seen four accidents happen in front of me when trying to enter the estate where I live.

“I am also aware of the congestion of traffic at fast food drive-ins.

“This would cause nothing but hassle for those who live in surrounding houses.

“There is lots of spare land in the Ravenscraig development. Why not put something like this there?”