Scotland round-up: Major onshore wind farm proposed for South Lanarkshire; West Lothian homes approved

A round-up of planning news in Scotland: 5 December-11 December, 2020
Major onshore wind farm proposed for South Lanarkshire
The renewables arm of the Banks Group has revealed proposals for a major onshore wind farm consisting of up to 60 huge turbines in South Lanarkshire.
The Planner
UK must see a 78% fall in pollution emissions by 2035
Polluting emissions in the UK must fall by 78 per cent by 2035, compared with 1990 levels, says the Committee on Climate Change.
The Planner
West Lothian Council has approved planning permission in principle for a 185-home development in the village of Blackridge.
Scottish Housing News
Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf resort damages dunes
Conservation body NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) has confirmed that rare sand dunes on the Aberdeenshire coast have lost their conservation status following the construction of the Trump International Golf Links course at Menie Estate.
NatureScot
Edinburgh logistics park project
A joint venture between industrial developer Chancerygate and property fund Bridges Fund Management has acquired a commercial site in the Sighthill area of Edinburgh and announced proposals to develop an urban logistics scheme on the site, which would be rebranded as Capital Park. It would deliver 15,330 square metres of industrial and warehousing space across 20 units.
The Scotsman
Stornoway deep water terminal takes off
Initial work will start on the Stornoway Deep Water Terminal now rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has confirmed a £49 million investment from a number of partners for the key Western Isles project. It includes a facility for berthing cruise ships, a new deep water berth to cater for larger cargo vessels, plus a freight ferry berth, berthing and unloading facilities for renewable energy components, and development land for a range of uses such as industrial processes and decommissioning.
Scottish Government
Against the advice of officers, the Highland Council has refused an application by Inverness Paving Ltd for a change of use from an equestrian centre to holiday, leisure and hospitality facilities at Treetop Stables in Faebuie, close to the site of the Battle of Culloden.
Scottish Construction Now
The City of Edinburgh Council has approved Taylor Wimpey East Scotland’s proposals for 132 new homes, all to be fitted with PV panels, at West Mains in Ratho Station.
Scottish Housing News
The Highland Council has refused a planning application for a six-storey, 162-bed hotel in Inverness city centre, which would have meant the loss of the Ironworks, a well-known live music venue. Officers had recommended refusal because of the scheme’s adverse impact on the site, which is in a conservation area, and three adjacent listed buildings.
Scottish Construction Now
Green light for Glasgow campus makeover
Proposals for a new centrepiece for the University of Strathclyde campus have been approved by Glasgow City Council. The scheme will transform the site of the former Rottenrow Maternity Hospital and surrounding streets into a vibrant, climate-resilient, inclusive city centre space with works including a timber-covered walkway across the gardens, expanded seating and an event space, along with improved and more accessible footpaths and walkways.
Scottish Construction Now
A new life as a five-star hotel has been proposed for Crichton Hall in Dumfries, an A-listed former psychiatric hospital.
BBC News
Revised proposals from housebuilder Avant Homes for around 150 new dwellings at a site in Cairneyhill, Fife, have gone out for digital consultation.
Scottish Housing News
Latest Scottish Land Commission protocol
Clear expectations on the management of Common Good land by local authorities will help make the most of this unique form of ownership for communities, says the latest protocol from the Scottish Land Commission.
Scottish Land Commission
Appeals blighting local democracy?
A feature in the Aberdeen Press & Journal has highlighted the large number of planning application decisions overturned by the government and questioned the impact on local democracy.
Scottish Housing News
Council approves southern phase of Edinburgh development
Edinburgh City Council has approved detailed proposals for the southern phase of the huge Edinburgh Park development in the west of the capital, which is scheduled to deliver more than 1,700 mainly flatted new homes – a quarter of which will be affordable – plus 43,000 square metres of commercial space.
Edinburgh Evening News
110 homes green-lit in Livingston
West Lothian Council has approved proposals from developer Robertson Living for 110 new homes at the site of the former Vodafone facility in Livingston after securing assurances on traffic issues.
Scottish Construction Now
Clean heating consultation begins
The Scottish Government has begun consulting on new rules that would mean that all new-build homes must have heating that produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, helping to meet climate change targets. This new regime could come into force in 2024.
Scottish Government
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