Controversial plan to build new homes on greenbelt land near Airdrie kicked out by councillors
A controversial plan to build hundreds of new homes on greenbelt land near Airdrie has been kicked out by North Lanarkshre councillors.
The massive Orchard Brae development, which proposed to build almost 1000 new homes on the Europark site, adjacent to Eurocentral, went before councillors on Thursday.
North Lanarkshire Council planners advised the 244 hectare plan should be rejected, with councillors voting to knock back the application with 42 against and 18 supporters backing it.
Nine councillors withdrew after declaring a possible conflict of interest.
The council report stated: 'It is acknowledged that the proposal has some benefits, but the need for additional housing land and the justification provided for the employment land are not accepted, and it is considered that the employment and economic benefits are likely to be substantially less than the applicant estimates.
'The benefits of the proposal are therefore not considered to be sufficient to justify such a significant departure from the development plan, and for this reason it is recommended that planning permission in principle should be refused.
'The proposal is contrary to National Planning Framework and to North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan Policies as the development would result in detrimental impacts upon a valuable area of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network.
'The development as a whole is inconsistent with the wider policies of the development plan and therefore its adverse impacts on the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network cannot be justified.
'It is not considered that any adequate justification, special circumstances or material considerations have been demonstrated which would justify a departure from these policies.'
Opponents - including the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group - believed the plans would destroy a historic area of greenbelt, damage wildlife and deprive residents of valuable outdoor space.
At the meeting, objector Dr Ann Glen called on councillors to reject the plans.
She said: 'Nature's condition reflects our values. Our mission should to be to foster a world where communities can flourish in harmony with nature. Not by destroying it, as the destruction of this greenbelt would imply.
'Nor should we be allowing it to be destroyed for speculative gain. That is completely unacceptable.'
Politicians from all sides of the political spectrum spoke of their delight at the news.
Central Scotland Labour MSP Richard Leonard said: 'When I first stood for Parliament in 2016 this was a rising issue. Almost a decade of campaigning led by local people has paid off.
'It has been a long hard 10 years but this is a victory for democracy and the people. We remain vigilant and ready to keep the campaign going for as long as it takes.'
Airdrie South Progressive Change councillor Paul DiMascio said: 'Local democracy won through and the strength of feeling against building on the green belt had been made clear. Crucially, approval would have been a clear breach of national and local guidelines.
'Should Orchard Brae appeal to the Scottish Reporter it is imperative that they both know the strength of feeling which was apparent against this proposal and take full account of North Lanarkshire's position which was made clear and ensure that this development does not get the nod down the line on appeal, via the back door.
Conservative MSP Graham Simpson added: 'It's fantastic news that the massive Woodhall and Faskine development has been rejected.
'It's been my pleasure and honour to work alongside everyone in opposing these plans.'
Scott Gillespie, director for Orchard Brae, said the group were disappointed by the decision made by North Lanarkshire Council.
He continued: "When officers published their report recommending refusal, despite a decade of discussions and the changes they asked us to implement in 2024 being made, it was clear that we faced an uphill task.
'I want to thank the 18 elected members who supported our proposals alongside our local partners who joined us at the hearing. Their support is very much appreciated.
'We remain fully committed to our vision for this landmark mixed-use development, which we firmly believe would deliver significant benefits to the local community and beyond including more than 2000 jobs.
'It is apparent at the hearing that these benefits cannot be readily delivered elsewhere in North Lanarkshire, so there is a threat that they may now be lost.
'We have taken on board feedback from the council and local stakeholders and shaped our plans accordingly, including a vibrant economic hub, much-needed housing, a medical centre, a state-of-the-art football facility, a new primary school, additional investment in surrounding secondary schools, and, notably, a nationally-recognised country park covering 64 per cent of the site.
'This proposal was never a choice between development and greenspace. It offered the best of both, delivering jobs, training opportunities, and high-quality, sustainable homes within an enhanced natural environment.
'Many within the local community have shown strong support for this balanced and forward-thinking approach. It is unfortunate that this was not reflected in today's decision.
'We will now carefully consider our next steps and how best to move forward with our proposals and long-term vision for the area.'
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