Locals could derail freight plans

The developers, KDC, want to create a massive terminal for freight trains

Villagers in Glenboig, near Coatbridge, have voiced concern at plans to build one of Europe's biggest rail freight terminals on an old landfill site.

Kilgarth Development Company wants to convert almost 2 million sq ft of grassland between Coatbridge and Glenboig into a huge rail freight hub.

The firm said the £1m project could create up to 1000 jobs.

But residents and a local MSP have expressed fears about an increase in traffic levels and pollution.

At a recent meeting in Glenboig Community centre, residents urged planning officials at North Lanarkshire Council to reject the proposals by Glasgow-based firm KDC.

Developers want to build six storage sheds on the site which spans 91 hectares.

If approved, the scheme would also see the creation of a road that would link the site with the M73 running through Gartcosh and across the railway line into Kilgarth.

The proposed freight will generate a detrimental impact on the environment to an unacceptable level Spokeswoman Kilgarth Action Group

Concerned villagers have formed an action group to oppose the plans for the rail terminal.

A community spokeswoman said: "The proposed freight terminal by virtue of its location, scale and general arrangement will generate a detrimental impact on the environment to an unacceptable level.

"No-one here wants it."

Central Scotland Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell has visited the site and earlier this month raised concerns at Holyrood about hazardous waste being dumped there.

She said her constituents were worried about the land being polluted by historical waste from an old hospital.

Officials at North Lanarkshire Council are looking at the plans which will go before a planning committee.

Pat Kelly, head of planning and transportation, said: "North Lanarkshire Council has received a planning proposal for the development of a rail freight terminal in Kilgarth. That proposal is currently going through the planning process.

"Once processing is complete, we will select a date on which to present the proposal to the planning and transportation committee.

"No decisions will be taken on the proposal before that time."