Plans for sports academy in Stonehouse approved

Mar 11 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

AN outline plan for developing a sports academy in Stonehouse has been approved.

Applicant Mr K. Weir was given the initial go-ahead at a meeting held by South Lanarkshire planning committee last Tuesday.

The project involves the creation of a a football and sports academy, with a sports hall and outdoor pitches with associated infrastructure.

No indicative layout has been submitted for consideration as the applicant intends to address these matters after permission in principle has been granted.

A landscape strategy, financial statement and transport assessment were submitted with the application as supporting documents.

There was only one letter of objection received which outlined concerns that the land was greenbelt, the scheme would result in traffic congestion and existing properties might overlook the development, depending on the extent of the proposal.

The report stated that, at the time the objection was submitted, the application site was designated as greenbelt land in the Hamilton District Local Plan. However, the application site is now designated for recreation and leisure use within a residential policy area in the adopted South Lanarkshire local plan.

Environment, Greenspace and Countryside, Leisure, Roads and Transportation, Water, Gas and SEPA were consulted during the consultative period and made no objections.

Scottish National Heritage objected to the proposal as it was contrary to the Local Plan and in their view, it would have significant adverse impacts on the farmland landscape character.

West of Scotland Archaeology Service had no objections, however they suggested there should be a prior archaeological evaluation of the site and results considered before the application is determined by planners, or alternatively, a condition should be attached to allow issues to be addressed and, if necessary, limit the opportunities to amend designs or operations.

Enterprise Resources executive director Colin McDowall told councillors: “As the application is for planning permission in principle, I am satisfied the matters raised can be addressed through a condition requiring the implementation of a programme of archaeological works in accordance with a written scheme of investigation to be approved by both the West of Scotland Archaeological Service and the council.

“In summary, I am satisfied that the application is acceptable and that it complies with both national and Local Plan policy.

“I would, therefore, raise no objection to the proposal and recommend that planning permission in principle is granted.”