Changes to a controversial rail hub in Ravenscraig have been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council.
The Russell Group is seeking permission to build a railhead logistics hub at the former industrial site 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.
Developers said the hub would create 200 jobs when operational.
However, more than 600 formal objections have been lodged against the proposals and an updated planning statement has now been submitted to the council’s planning department.
It states: “The noise modelling has been updated to include revised loading bay and mitigation requirements updated accordingly. Similarly, it has considered the impact of road traffic on the school site.
“It is confirmed that there will be no more than 10 trains per day (subject to Network Rail timeslots, with scheduled turn around period of 3-4 hours).
“The arrival of trains will be spaced out evenly throughout a 24 hour period. Only one train will arrive and depart from the site at any one time, therefore there will be no concurrent trains leaving north and south at the same time.
“Cranes will move containers within 20 minutes of arrival. For departing trains, it is expected that the cranes would complete loading/unloading around 45 minutes prior to departure.”
The Ravenscraig Community Action Group has engaged in what it labels a “David and Goliath” battle, fighting plans which would see the industrial freight hub built on land earmarked for 1000 new homes.
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Kenneth Duffy has reiterated his opposition to the proposals.
He said: “This amended application from Russell Group is the last throw of the dice for a rail hub that is not wanted or needed.
“The sole focus in Ravenscraig should be on the plans for new homes, schools and facilities. Residents and I look forward to its determination later this year.”
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