New homes to be built on an old railway line in Lanarkshire despite concerns

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Planning permission has been granted to build three houses on a derelict railway line in Biggar despite previous concerns about restricting public transport opportunities.Councillors at today’s planning committee meeting (January 24) approved the plans despite the same application being deferred in November due to concerns about destroying a railway line which may be beneficial in the future.When the same application was presented to elected members in November last year, councillor Ralph Barker (Clydesdale East) proposed a motion to defer the plans until appropriate government guidance on reusing derelict railway lines was provided to members.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android His motion was passed and council officers looked into the details of the application and presented further information.The approved plans will now mean part of a railway line in Symington will be removed to make way for the new homes.At the meeting, councillor Ralph Barker raised similar concerns as he did before.He said: “I have sympathy for the applicant and objectors, but the recommendation is on material considerations, which is expected in the guidance and legislation.

The material consideration appears to be on the basis that it’s unlikely that this will be a railway again. To use this as material consideration really