Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Joy as house building proposal is refused
Controversial proposals to build houses on an area of open space in Coatbridge have been officially refused.
The application to construct eight properties on land at Davaar Drive was referred to a Scottish Government reporter by prospective developer Drumpellier Homes after North Lanarkshire Council did not issue a decision within a required two-month timescale.
It had attracted nearly 150 objections, including from campaigners forming the Drumpellier residents’ action group and from a number of politicians representing the area.
Local residents insisted that the land is public amenity space which is well used for recreation.
However, the developer contended that the privatelyowned site was not designed for that purpose, instead originally having been reserved for a later phase of building when the neighbouring 1970s homes were constructed.
Councillors on North Lanarkshire’s planning committee confirmed after the appeal was lodged that they would have refused the plans due to the “significant detrimental impact” of losing the green space, including setting an unwelcome precedent and because of concerns about the road access arrangements.
The same decision was reached in the independent reporter’s assessment, who visited the site in September and similarly concluded that “this land has been, and remains, an area of amenity space used and valued by the community.
“It is likely that the site was set aside as amenity space when the housing was developed; the layout of this part of Golfview Drive is a strong indicator in this respect [as] the houses were designed and orientated to have an outlook over, and to contribute to, the appearance of a landscaped area.
“Even in its current condition where maintenance has been withdrawn, this space still contributes significantly to this established setting, provides a link to the countryside and golf course beyond and contributes to the residential amenity of this part of Drumpellier.”
Although the reporter’s verdict did not uphold public transport and on-street parking issues, the decision also determined that Davaar Drive would be “unsuitable to accommodate the increased traffic and pedestrian movements associated with this development” due to the significant upgrading required to the un-adopted section of road and the need to create a pavement.
The conclusion added that the planned development of eight houses would not make a sufficient impact on local housing supply to outweigh the “greater importance on protection of green infrastructure and open space”.
Refusing the plans, the decision letter noted: “The adverse effects on residential amenity arising from the development of this area and the associated road and pedestrian safety concerns are over-riding matters; there are no material considerations which would justify granting planning permission.”
The decision was welcomed by Gillian Mackay, the Green MSP for Central Scotland, who supported residents and expressed her opposition to throughout the process. She said: “This residential proposal would have seen the removal of a muchloved open space that has been well used by the local community over a number of years.
“This area can now be enjoyed by families for years to come and I’m delighted for everyone who campaigned.”
Ms Mackay added: “One of the main concerns residents had was roads. From my initial meeting with the Drumpellier residents’ action group I’ve had ongoing communication from concerned residents and I know how much this decision means to them.
“This win for the Drumpellier residents shows what is possible when communities come together and I’m glad to have supported them along the way.”
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We note the decision and the comments of the reporter.”