A construction firm is appealing the refusal of a second planning application to transform a derelict site in Wishaw into affordable housing.
The JR Group’s original proposals for a block of 12 private flats on Main Street in Wishaw were initially refused in 2020 following objections around the height of the proposed block, parking provisions and its fit with the existing surrounding homes.
Following conversations with North Lanarkshire Council (NLC), revised plans proposing a block of 12 flats on the site - deemed suitable for affordable housing and flatted dwellings by the local authority - were put forward on behalf of The JR Group by partners MAST Architects.
However, the amended plans were refused in December 2021.
The JR Group is again appealing to NLC's planning committee to approve the revised proposals.
Managing director Gary McGregor told Lanarkshire Live : “We were surprised and disappointed when the council refused our second planning application, given the level of dialogue undertaken and the changes made.
“Having held detailed discussions and taken on board all feedback, we were more than satisfied that all the previous objections were addressed – including changes in design to reduce the height of the block and remain sympathetic to the surrounding landscape, including the existing block of flats opposite the site.
“We’re hopeful of a positive outcome from the appeal, given the proposals are for affordable homes – which are in such high demand in North Lanarkshire.
“If the site isn’t utilised to provide housing, there’s a real risk it could go undeveloped and remain derelict – as well as being a magnet for anti-social behaviour – which totally goes against the local authority’s strategic ambitions around redevelopment of brownfield sites.”
A decision on the appeal is anticipated in the coming months.
Recommending the plans for refusal, the council report states: “Overall, whilst the proposals is in most respects an improvement over the previously refused design, it is still considered that the proposal would be an overdevelopment of the site.
“Although there is considered to be potential for a small flatted development here, its design would require to address the height differential with the adjacent carefully, and it is difficult to envisage as many as 12 flats being accommodated on the site.”
Neighbours also voiced their displeasure at the application.
One objector noted: “The proposed building is totally out of character with neighbouring houses. The closest neighbours are single storey bungalow type housing.
“Parking would also be a problem with a roundabout being so close to the site, any excess cars would have to park on the street near the roundabout or in nearby streets like Cleland Road.
“The last application that was denied and published in the local newspaper suggested the development site was recommended for a single storey to be in keeping with the neighbourhood.
“Put yourself in our shoes, how would you feel someone trying to put a boundary wall over your or a family members property and build an intimidating towering block of flats?”
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