Second chance for ambitious new shopping complex and cinema in Cumbernauld

The second attempt to bring a far-reaching add-on to the existing Westway retail park is now well underway as planners scrutinise submissions.

And we can reveal that the most high profile opponent to the first set of plans did not submit an objection again.

That was, of course, the Antonine Centre, which successfully challenged North Lanarkshire Council in court amidst claims that due process had not been followed when the plan was rubber-stamped last year.

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A fresh consultation process was launched as the plans were handed in once again by backers Promontoria Holdings.

And it has emerged that a public consultation process drew more than 80 letters in support of the blueprint, which incorporates a cinema, stores, restaurants, hotel accommodation, a car showroom, and offices.

And among those who got in touch were Parliamentarians Stuart McDonald MP and Jamie Hepburn MSP,who back the move.

However, both feel that the traffic set-up near Castlecary would need to be re-drawn in part if the plans are green-lit.

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And they suggest that the installation of a new roundabout would be key and that better pedestrian access to the location would be desirable.

Both suggestions are in line with feedback they received from a public survey, filled in by constituents living nearby.

The pair stated: “The previous application therefore received widespread support.

“However, there were concerns expressed by just under a third of all respondents regarding increased traffic associated with the development.

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“The capacity of road infrastructure in Castlecary itself elicited a significant number of concerns, which is unsurprising as this has been a matter that has been raised with us more widely over a significant period of time.

“As with the previous application we are supportive in general as this development would add significant leisure options locally as well as providing employment opportunities too. Given its scope, it may also attract people from outwith the area to utilise the retail park – something we would welcome as enhancing its sustainability.

“However, given the feedback received, we would once again make the following suggestions:

“In order to improve traffic flow we would ask that rather than a signalised junction consideration be given to installing a roundabout at the proposed new junction on the B816.

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“We would suggest too that a firm commitment could be made to improving pedestrian access from the opposite side of the B816 and better linking this to where the existing path from Cumbernauld Glen meets the road.”

Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Antonine Centre said: “Although we have not made any representations on the revised proposals we would expect any council decision to be in line with its own ‘town-centres-first’ policy.

“It would be perverse and disappointing if the council was to consent to any out-of-town development which jeopardised its professed intent to deliver on its Town Centre vision.”

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