Overburns reaction: Planning system is “broken”

Developer Patersons of Greenoakhill’s appeal to the Scottish Government for a quarry at Overburns Farm did not go in the company’s favour.

While celebrating that fact, Clyde River Action Group (CRAG) campaigner Arthur Bell is hoping the group’s hard-fought campaign will ultimately lead to changes in the planning process.

For the war against the quarry has been a costly one – locals have forked out more than six figures to see off Patersons.

Thousands of pounds worth of taxpayers money was also used by South Lanarkshire Council in legal fees as it fought successfully to make sure its decision to refuse the quarry near Lamington was upheld.

Arthur told the Gazette this week: “The CRAG campaign has been fought at huge cost to local people over the past three years.

“The taxpayer has also had to fork out a considerable amount.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.