Planning officers have refused to approve proposals for a transport depot in Cumbernauld.

North Lanarkshire Council officials have objected to proposals from Transport Scotland to develop a new roads depot with salt storage barn, wash-bay, solar panels, storage bays, a garage and workshop, office and welfare building and parking for staff vehicles and HGVs, says the Glasgow Times.

The location in this application is a plot of land off Old Mollinsburn Road in the Westfield area.

A decision notice sent to Transport Scotland explains that the site is located in the green belt and it is not essential that the proposed facility be at this location, and evidence that alternative sites have been investigated has not been provided.

The development was also deemed to be contrary to flood risk policy and strategies, and would unnecessarily expose others in the area to possible flooding.

The notice also stated that the application had not demonstrated that the benefits of using this location outweighed the need to preserve the green belt, while the planned buildings would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

(Picture: Transport Scotland)(