Houses set to replace Ravenstruther coal loading terminal
A TWO storey visitor centre is part of a revolutionary new housing development, based on the design of a Roman fort, which is being lined up to replace the Ravenstruther coal loading terminal.
Applicants Scottish Resources Group have received outline planning permission from South Lanarkshire Council to build within 116,000 square metres of land off Ayr Road; the developers have justified their proposal by saying that the long term contribution of the coal terminal at Ravenstruther is already under review due to changing coal markets and improved technology.
The planning approval for development at the Ravenstruther terminal came as several hours of operations there were stopped by around 30 environmental group members, enraged by a government announcement that more coal-fired power stations would be built in Scotland.
The protestors, who chained themselves to a conveyor belt and bulldozer and set up a scaffolding barrier to stop coal lorries entering the site with their loads, warned that Clydesdale was in danger of becoming the most mined area in Europe.
The terminal currently has coal tipping, a wheel washing facility, car park control room, weighbridge, offices and an elevating conveyor which takes the coal over a rail siding to allow loading of rail wagons.
But major changes could be on the horizon.
If Scottish Resources Group, which lodged the plans with Scottish Coal, does get final permission to proceed with the proposed works, it has vowed to preserve several important Roman features located there, including the sites of a fort and marching camps protected under Scheduled Ancient Monument status.
It will build a settlement which is based on the concept of a historic fort and encampment.
Developers say the new visitor interpretation centre will provide information on the historic environment.
Other new features will include community open space and play areas; a number of follies acting as visual markers; and a walkers path along existing tracks and railway sidings.
While Historic Scotland has welcomed news of the proposed centre, it considers that the location near an ancient monument site is inappropriate.
The council has acknowledged this concern by attaching conditions to the outline planning consent, whereby further information must be made available on any potentially adverse impact on the ancient monument at the detailed planning stage.
There was only one letter of objection to the proposal, advising that footpaths crossing the objector's land and claiming that the visitor centre could be a focus for anti-social behaviour.
The council responded by stating that the current application was outline only and so these areas of concern could be resolved later.
Although the development is contrary to the development plan and Finalised South Lanarkshire Local Plan, the planners recommended its approval for several reasons.
The feel that redevelopment and restoration of a previously developed site will result in appropriate re-use of an industrial area in a sensitive countryside location; it will enhance locals' knowledge about the site's history; and enhance public access to the countryside through new walking routes; and create tourist attractions.
No indication has been given by Scottish Resources Group as to the intended capacity of the site or the density of housing.
The development will see the southern most part of the railway used to create a landscaped linear path.
A second path will be formed at the northern extremity of the site, with the potential to create a circular route depending on the agreement of adjoining landowners.
Existing access from the A70 will be closed, with a new entrance created further to the north.
Approval of the outline application was given by councillors at a planning committee meeting in Hamilton on December 16.
The application must be referred to the Scottish government before final approval is ratified, as it represents a significant departure from the development plan. A hearing may also be required.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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