A long running battle to build a huge rail logistics hub is set to be decided by the end of the year.
The Russell Group is behind the plans to build the railhead logistics hub at the former industrial site at a cost of around £200m.
However, the plans have been fiercely resisted by locals who are concerned the logistics hub could see the movement of HGVs 24-hours-a-day in close proximity to their homes and children’s schools.
Now the plans are set to be debated by North Lanarkshire councillors in mid-December - but Lanarkshire Live understands that NLC planners will move to reject the plans.
Ryan O’Donnell, chairman of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), told us: “For two years we have fought a David and Goliath battle on a wholly inappropriately sited dirty diesel freight proposal.
“The plans would see a monolithic industrial complex and an 800 HGV movements a day super-highway in phase one alone which would rip through the heart of Motherwell and surrounding areas, depriving us of much needed new and affordable housing and scarring the Lanarkshire landscape for generations.
“The freight hub proposals are coming off the rails and it’s time now for Russell Group to give up the ghost on plans which are universally opposed by communities, councillors, and MSPs.”
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig Labour councillor, Kenny Duffy, is now urging the council to reject the proposals which he believes would make less space for much needed affordable housing, as well as completely ruin the landscape of the local area.
Councillor Duffy said: “This major development has been a source of great speculation and apprehension within the Ravenscraig community.
“The RCAG in particular will no doubt be heartened that the recommendation from planners will be for refusal.
“It’s finally time to kick these proposals out and for the focus to be on new schools, homes, businesses and amenities on the site.”
Over 600 objections have been lodged against the plans including members of the public, councillors and politicians from all sides of the political divide including the area’s constituency MSP, Clare Adamson.
Last week, Central Scotland list MSP Monica Lennon announced she had submitted her objection to the proposals.
The Labour representative said: “This planning, if approved, would change the face of a now residential area forever.
"It should be communities themselves who have the biggest say in community planning, and with over 600 formal objections, these plans are clearly not welcomed.
“North Lanarkshire Council should be focusing on providing affordable homes and community facilities that residents can actually use and enjoy.
“Many of my constituents are deeply unhappy about the proposed plans, and they deserve to be listened to.”
The Russell Group have previously stated that the hub would create 200 jobs when operational.
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