Objectors fail to stop Strathaven warehouse expansion

Apr 4 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

A LARGE agricultural warehouse is set to be expanded and relocated to greenbelt land outside Strathaven despite a number of objections.

Councillors this week approved the move from applicant LS Smellie and Sons at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee.

The agricultural firm, who are currently located in Strathaven town centre, want to expand because their present site isn’t big enough.

They lodged proposals with the planning authority to move to a field at Whiteshawgate, off the A723.

LS Smellie and Sons plan to erect a 4500 square metre animal feed depot and warehouse with associated facilities including a loading area, weighbridge and hardstanding area.

They will also create a new office and a retail farm shop, and over 70 parking spaces have also been approved within the plans.

A new access road into the site has also been proposed, which will serve the development direct from the A723 Hamilton Road.

However, the authority received 11 letters of objection.

Objectors raised a number of concerns and said the new development would not be appropriate use for greenbelt.

Residents also said that Whiteshawgate is within a quiet country lane, with traffic limited to vehicles serving six properties and Strathaven Rugby Club.

They claimed the new development would create a safety hazard.

Concerns were raised that the development would result in additional lorries passing through the centre of Strathaven.

Residents feared that the relocation would result in noise pollution from the 20-ton trucks shuttling back and forward to collect and deposit grain.

Many residents said there would be an increase in the risk of vermin associated with the storage of grain.

However, planning officials justified their decision to grant permission.

They said in their report to the committee: “It is considered that the retention of this existing local business within the area will have clear economic advantages for the town of Strathaven and the wider community.”

Now the application will be referred to the Scottish Ministers for final approval as it constitutes development in greenbelt which is contrary to the development plan, and objections have been received.