CROY is to lose another eyesore.
North Lanarkshire Council's planning committee has approved a planning application from the Forestry Commission to profile a colliery spoil heap at Croy Hill and restore the land as part of a community woodland.
Committee members heard that the si
te lies within a larger area where the Forestry Commission intends to create the community woodland, which will complement the Auchinstarry marina and the Antonine Wall, which crosses the site. The wall is now a World Heritage site.
The woodland will be the subject of a later planning application.
Officials pointed out that the spoil heap has been susceptible to water erosion and percolation of rain water through loose-tipped material, resulting in minor slippage and a potential risk to site users.
The plan is to reprofile the 100-year-old spoil heap to create a stable landform. The newly-formed slope will be restored and grass seeded.
It is felt that this is a tangible improvement to the setting of the World Heritage site and is in keeping with Greenbelt policies.
A number of planning conditions have been imposed, to prevent pollution of watercourses, ensure road safety, and protect wildlife.
Councillor Mark Griffin commented: "This will be a great improvement and is to be welcomed."
