Home / Environment / New Transport Hub Approved Amid Wildlife Concerns
New Transport Hub Approved Amid Wildlife Concerns
16 Dec
Summary
- Transport depot with workshops, offices, and museum approved near Neilston.
- Concerns raised over impact on wildlife, including badgers and otters.
- New facility aims to treble business capacity and increase staff by 20%.
Plans for a new transport depot, including workshops, offices, and a museum, have been approved near Neilston. East Renfrewshire councillors granted permission for waste management firm J&M Murdoch's application for land at Shillford, overriding 13 objections focused on wildlife and traffic impacts. Planning officials deemed the proposal justified by unique economic and sustainability benefits.
The firm, currently based nearby, aims to relocate to the new site to improve efficiency and expand operations. The development is projected to potentially treble current business capacity and increase staff by 20% within five years. A museum displaying vintage vehicles owned by the applicant is also planned as part of the new facility.
Despite concerns about disturbing protected species like badgers and otters and increasing traffic, the company stated that ecological surveys found no protected species on the site at the time. Conditions for further surveys and mitigation measures will be imposed. The council highlighted the business's local importance and expressed confidence in their commitment to addressing environmental concerns.
