Flood of objections to plans for £200m development
Ravenscraig residents have continued their opposition to a proposed new development in the area.
The railhead logistics hub, proposed by the Russell Group, has been objected to by more than 230 residents according to the council’s planning portal.
The planning application has now been lodged with North Lanarkshire Council and is open to public comments until Wednesday, April 21.
The application will be decided by all 77 members of North Lanarkshire Council at a future Planning Hearing.
Local councillor Kenneth Duffy is asking residents in Ravenscraig and surrounding areas to have their say and local residents have formed the Ravenscraig Community Action Group to fight the plans – believing that the development will have a negative impact on the quality of life for residents and wildlife.
Councillor Duffy said: “The Russell Group started their consultation on this proposal late last year.
“I urge residents to express their views online via the live application. I will continue to engage, listen and represent the views of my constituents.”
The Russell Group is seeking permission to build a railhead logistics hub at a cost of around £200 million.
The proposed development would serve as the company’s UK headquarters and would include a training academy while also functioning as a “test bed” for innovation in the transport industry.
Fiona Morrison, a local teacher and mum from the area, said: “The last year has taught us all what matters most.
“From local nurses, doctors, teachers, and delivery drivers, to public services and communities pulling together.
“These same families were promised a modern, safe and sustainable new community at Ravenscraig.
“Those promises, including new-build and affordable homes are now at real risk from a development that at best will relocate jobs and compete with existing rail developments.
“It is a matter of vision and with the elections approaching, we’ll be asking politicians from all parties what matters most – a failed version of what was promised or a Ravenscraig for families?”
Ravenscraig resident Jo Devlin added: “I am extremely disheartened that this is even being considered.
“We, like many of our neighbours, bought our house based on the initial and revised plans that showed light industrial units, housing, schools and a town centre but instead we are being landed with this monstrosity on our front doors.
“The site is roughly seven times larger than the sports centre and while I understand there is space for what was proposed on the master plans this was never on the table when we looked into buying here.”