MOSSEND GETS MINISTERIAL APPROVAL AGAIN

THE LONG-RUNNING saga over the expansion of the railhead at Mosshead to create a larger freight terminal has taken a further turn following a decision by Scottish Ministers to overturn an appeal decision refusing permission.

The plans, submitted by existing operator PD Stirling, included four additional 775-metre long rail sidings with direct access to the West Coast main line. Alongside the facility would be a 310-acre distribution park, which would include distribution, service and logistics facilities allowing occupiers to load directly to and from trains.

The initial planning application was refused by North Lanarkshire Council in 2014, but PD Stirling appealed the decision to Scottish ministers, who overturned this decision and granted permission. The ministers’ decision was subsequently quashed in a court of session following a challenge by the council but, following a further appeal by PDS, Scottish ministers have granted permission once again.