'Important win' for people power campaign as Ravenscraig rail-freight hub appeal is rejected by Scottish Ministers

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A decision by Scottish Ministers to reject a planning application appeal for a controversial rail freight hub at Ravenscraig has been welcomed by campaigners in Lanarkshire.The proposals from the Russell Group were initially thrown out by North Lanarkshire Council in December last year but that decision was subject to an appeal to the Scottish Government.The planning application for the former steelworks site was roundly opposed by local residents, who formed the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, whop were backed by cross-party politicians including Labour’s Monica Lennon and Scottish Greens Gillian Mackay, both MSPs for Central Scotland, as well as local councillors.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android A reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers had recommended the appeal be dismissed and that planning permission be refused, that recommendation has been followed and the appeal dismissed.The freight hub would have been eight times the size of the regional sports centre, and would have seen hundreds of heavy goods vehicles moving through the heart of Motherwell, past schools and homes from Ravenscraig to Airbles Road.Gillian Mackay MSP welcomed the decision and hailed the determination of residents in helping to ensure the rail-freight hub didn’t go ahead.The Central Scotland MSP believes the hub,