A controversial planning application to build two industrial units in Coatbridge has been approved by councillors following a vote.

Wemyss Properties proposed construction of two more buildings on a grassy site off Hagmill Road, close to a previously approved development of three units.

The proposed buildings would each be larger than 1200 square metres in floor space and over nine metres in height.

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A total of 142 objections, including one from Monica Lennon MSP, were submitted to North Lanarkshire Council, citing numerous concerns including increased traffic levels, noise and air pollution, loss of green space, impact on archaeology and loss of wildlife.

However, none of the agencies consulted with regard to the proposals formally objected and the council’s planning department recommended granting the application, subject to several conditions, as it was in accordance with local policy.

During consideration of this application by the planning committee, convener Nicky Shevlin (Labour, Murdostoun) noted that Shawhead Tenants’ and Residents’ Association had requested a planning hearing but the request did not satisfy protocol.

However, ward councillor Geraldine Woods (Labour, Coatbridge South) submitted a motion requesting the hearing on the basis of the volume of objections and level of public interest in the application, arguing that it would serve local democracy to disregard protocol and proceed with a hearing.

“The community feel that they are blatantly being ignored,” she added, further commenting that the ward was already experiencing severe transport issues, with “constant” accidents.

Councillor Woods went on to say that the community used the targeted site as a park and that it was especially popular with dog walkers and people taking exercise.

Council officers argued that the objections had been considered and responded to on a point-by-point basis in the report on the application and that none of them justified refusing planning permission.

Further, the site was zoned for industrial development more than thirty years ago and this remained the case.

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Councillor Woods said her constituents felt procedure had not been properly followed as the land had been sold in 2020 during the pandemic, which had resulted in many people being unaware of the transaction at the time, with consultation only taking place two years later.

Further, no opportunity to pursue a community asset transfer had been offered.

Head of planning Pamela Humphries stated that the sale of council land and the planning process were different and although approved in 2020, the sale had not yet been completed as the planning application was still pending.

The council is not required to hold public consultation on sale of land it owns.

The planning committee voted 15 to eight in favour of granting the application as per the recommendation.