M8/A8 Corridor Interim Land Use Strategy As Outlined in the Appendix and That It Be Used
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AGENDA rtENc Na EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMllTEE HELD ON 3 SEPTEMBER 1997 M8/A8 CORRIDOR - INTERIM LAND USE STRATEGY 1. Under reference to paragraph 38 of the Minute of meeting of this Committee held on 25 June 1997 there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 3 September 1997 by the Director of Planning and Development highlighting the results of consultation carried out on the draft M8/A8 Corridor Land Use Strategy and recommending a strategy of objectives for interim land use of the M8/A8 Corridor. Decided: (1 ) that the Committee approve for its interests the M8/A8 Corridor Interim Land Use Strategy as outlined in the Appendix and that it be used:- (a) as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications from the M8IA8 Corridor; (b) as part of the Council’s contribution to the new Structure Plan for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley; (c) to inform the preparation of new Local Plans covering the M8/A8 Corridor; (d) as a basis for the preparation of feasibility studies, development briefs and design guidance; (e) as a basis for the preparation of landscaped character assessments and landscape masterplans in conjunction with the construction of the new section of the M8, and (f) to highlight to the Scottish Office the urgent need to upgrade this strategic transportation corridor, and (2) that the strategy document for promotion of A8/M8 Corridor be remitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for its interest. NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL REPORT AGENDA lT€M fW 7 To: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Subject: M8/A8 CORRIDOR INTERIM LAND USE STRATEGY Date: 3 September 1997 Ref DPL/13/OZ/CWN I I 1.o Purpose of Report 1.1 This report highlights the results of consultation carried out on the draft MWA8 Corridor Land Use Strategy and presents a final version attached in the form of an Appendix for Members’ approval. 2.0 Background 2.1 As Members are aware, the M8/A8 corridor is subject to intense pressure for development. The February 1997 Planning and Development Committee agreed to the preparation of an interim land use strategy for the MS/AS corridor and to assess current planning applications in the light of this. 2.2 A draft strategy was approved for consultation by this Committee in June 1997. Over 50 consultees were sent copies of the document. These included Lanarkshire Development Agency, the Scottish Office, the Joint Structure Plan Committee, Community Councils, neighbouring Local Authorities and planning applicants. Advertisements were published in the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, Motherwell Times and Bellshill Speaker inviting people to come in to the Council’s offices and inspect the document. 2.3 By 15 August, responses from 30 consultees had been received. These covered a wide range of issues, from the Strategy’s general approach and use, to current planning applications. Each of the comments from the 30 consultees has been considered in detail in relation to the implications for the Strategy. As a result, the final Strategy has been modified. The main changes relate to the following:- 0 To emphasise the dual role of the Strategy in providing a framework for the determination of planning applications while also identifjmg longer term development opportunities to inform the preparation of the new Structure Plan; 0 To increase the emphasis on the Greenbelt to be reviewed through Local Plans; 0 To justify more fully potential strategic industrial development by highlighting deficiencies in the 32 years industrial land supply (1996); 0 To confirm the Council’s position regarding the proposed motorway service areas; while the site at Bargeddie is preferred, should the Secretary of State reject this, the proposed motorway service area at Braehead would be supported as an alternative; To highlight that the Faskine Estate is a search area for a single user high amenity development and that an appropriate development would be likely to cover a small part of this area; To emphasise that further investigations into the viability and appropriateness of industrial and business development at Douglas Support Estate should be limited to the area between Strathclyde Business Park and the existing A8 dual carriageway; and To highlight the need for a comprehensive landscape character assessment of the corridor. 2.4 The Strategy has now been amended to take account of these and other issues raised in response to consultation. Three late responses were received. The Scottish Office Roads Directorate have indicated that access from the new collector distributor road created from the A8 as a result of the new section of M8 should be limited. They have also indicated that the Strategy has major implications for the number of vehicles using the M8 corridor and that they do not support a motorway service area at either Bargeddie or Braehead. Chapelhall Community Council have highlighted the historical significance of Woodhall Estate laid out by the creator of Kew Gardens. They have also indicated that the estate is appropriate for informal countryside recreation, tourism and woodland planting. Peter P.C. Allan has submitted comments on behalf of Auley Estates and indicated that the Greenbelt should be removed in order to further attract employment. Whilst these comments are of relevance, it is not considered that the Strategy requires further modifications. 2.5 The Strategy highlights around 250 hectares of land with potential for particular types of development. Most of this relates to existing commitments for business and industry which are already identified but not yet taken up, for example, at Dunalistair Enterprise Zone and Strathclyde Business Park. Additional developments relate to:- A single user high amenity site A unique retail development at Newhouse Junction 6 Up to two new strategic industrial developments Extension to an existing business park Expansion of an existing business Motorway service area 2.6 The total land for business and industry identified in the M8/A8 corridor is expected to meet demand for some time. For example, the 185 hectares of existing industrial land alone is sufficient to meet demand for the whole of North Lanarkshire for 12 years. This does not take account of the contribution from industrial land elsewhere in North Lanarkshire, such as Orchardton Woods, Calder Street or Excelsior Park. The identification of further sites in the M8/A8 corridor in addition to those identified as part of the Strategy is likely to prejudice the Council’s regeneration strategy. 3 .O Recommendation 3.1 It is recommended that the attached MWA8 Corridor Interim Land Use Strategy be approved by the Council and that it be used:- (i) as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications in the MWA8 corridor; (ii) as part of this Council’s contribution to the new Structure Plan for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley; (iii) to inform the preparation of new Local Plans covering the M8/A8 corridor; (iv) as a basis for the preparation of feasibility studies, development briefs and design guidance; (v) as a basis for the preparation of landscape character assessments and landscape masterplans in conjunction with the construction of the new section of the M8; and (vi) to highlight to the Scottish Office the urgent need to upgrade this strategic transportation corridor. Stanley C. Cook DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT List of Background Papers File Ref 13/02 including Summary of Comments Received and Proposed Response 21 August 1997 For firther information please contact Claire Woodward-Nutt on 01236 6 16244. M8/A8 CORRIDOR INTERIM LAND USE STRATEGY SUMMARY As a result of the current intense pressure for development in the M8/A8 corridor, the Council identified an urgent need for an interim land use strategy. This strategy is infended to set the context for the determination of planning applications in the corridor, If also looks to the longer term and is intended to inform the preparation of the new Structure Plan and Local Plans. The strategy focuses on the inner corridor of the M8/A8 between Baillieston and Newhouse. The strategy aims to maintain and improve the attractiveness of the inner corridor for residents, businesses and visitors by balancing development needs with those of the environment. The study considers the range of policies, initiatives and strategies of relevance to the study area and hig,hlights recent developments and their impact. Ten zones are identified based on recent landscape assessments. A strategic approach to the future development of these areas is recommended. Around 250 hectares of land have potential for development in the inner corridor. Most of this relates to existing commitments which are yet to be taken up. Potential new developments include strategic industrial development, single user high amenity development, general business and industry, business park extension, expansion of an existing business, and a motorway service area. The strategy recommends review of the Greenbelt boundary and improvements to the landscape, especially through new woodland planting. M81A8 CORRIDOR INTERIM LAND USE STRATEGY CONTENTS Page Page 1: INTRODUCTION 3 5: FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES 13 Background 3 Advantages of Securing Development 13 The Need for a Strategy 3 Environmental Resources 13 Definition of Study Area 4 Infrastructure and Physical Constraints 13 Landscape Characteristics 14 2: OBJECTIVES AND ISSUES 5 Objectives of Strategy 5 6: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 16 Key Issues 6 Zone A: Coatbridge 16 Zone B: M8lA8