High School Buses Saved for Ravenscriag

Posted on 25 February 2024 by Martin
  • High School Buses Saved for Ravenscraig
  • North Lanarkshire Council confirms “council bus transport will continue to be available to the Ravenscraig area despite recent changes in eligibility criteria for secondary mainstream school transport”.
  • The move comes on the back of RCAG’s ‘Save our School Buses’ campaign.
  • On 23rd March 2023 we hosted an online public meeting with councillors and council chiefs.
  • We shared our learnings in a new ’10 things you need to know about Ravenscraig’ newsletter.
  • We committed to fighting council cuts to Ravenscraig free school buses until our long-proimsed new, local schools are delivered.
  • We made the case for retention in our formal submission to the council and have met with councillors, the Convener of Education, our MSPs and MP.

HIGH SCHOOL BUSES SAVED FOR RAVENSCRAIG

Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes, has welcomed confirmation that high school buses have been saved for the Ravenscraig area.

Confirmation came in an email from North Lanarkshire Councillor Kenneth Duffy which stated:

“Council bus transport will continue to be available to the Ravenscraig area despite recent changes in eligibility criteria for secondary mainstream school transport”.

The move comes on the back of RCAG’s ‘Save our School Buses’ campaign where the group argued both for the safe and accessible local schools our community was promised, but also for safe and secure bus provision given the lack of public transport and safe walking routes.

The Action Group recently met with Provost Kenneth Duffy, representatives of all political parties, Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer, Place, North Lanarkshire Council and Pauline O’Neill, Education Manager, North Lanarkshire Council. The group was grateful for the positive engagement with officers and elected members from all parties.

During a digital public meeting hosted by RCAG on 23rd March 2023, both officers also reconfirmed the authority’s commitment to the two schools at Ravenscraig. 

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We remain 100 per cent committed to delivering a new community hub, which will include two new primary schools, within Ravenscraig. 

“This project is expected to be delivered as part of the next capital programme allocation for the Town and Community Hub Programme of Work. The next capital programme is expected to commence in April 2024. 

Ms. Humphries confirmed that the council would this year receive ‘an initial £4.7 m payment….. as a contribution to the first primary school, and Ravenscraig Ltd have also agreed to transfer the SC site to the council for the purposes of delivering the primary school. I can further confirm that the payment, once received, will be ringfenced and will only be used for the purposes of education provision for the Ravenscraig development. 

With a circa three-year planning and build programme, current estimates for delivery (subject to capital programme timelines) could see both schools open after 2027.

The authority, in policy papers and in public statements, recognises that unlike other areas, the site currently suffers from poor access and is investing in multi-modal access improvements inc safe walking, cycling and public transport provision. Whilst some local access (eg to Craigneuk) has been provided, many of the improvements to areas required to access main access points are some years off.

Councillor Kenneth Duffy’s full email reads:

“I understand that there may have been some confusion or concern regarding the continuity of bus transport for pupils leaving from Ravenscraig. 

“I am writing to clarify that council bus transport will continue to be available to the Ravenscraig area despite recent changes in eligibility criteria for secondary mainstream school transport. 

“The changes to eligibility criteria for primary mainstream school transport will come into effect from August 2025. Independent roads specialist in accordance with road safety guidelines will assess routes and this will be communicated to parents when complete. 

“If any resident has further questions or would like more information about the schedule and routes of the council bus transport to the area, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. “

Ravenscraig Community Action Group is committed to continuing to work positively with North Lanarkshire Council and is will continue its focus on protecting school bus provision for primary schools.

More information on the group and it’s work is available from : http://www.ravenscraig.org

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Proposed Development Consultation : Fusion Assets Business, Industrial, Storage or Distribution

Posted on 25 January 2024 by Martin

Consultation Event: 2pm – 7:30pm, Tuesday 6th Feb 2023, Ravenscraig Sports Centre

Fusion Assets, the development arm of North Lanarkshire Council, has announced plans for ‘Class 4, 5, 7 use’ industrial units (business, industrial, storage or distribution uses) on land opposite Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre.

Plans propose units designated for ‘business, industrial, storage or distribution’ uses – with potential for 24 hour operations.

The proposal is part of broader plans for industrial development – Seven Four Eight (Broader plans for a ‘production and logistics location’ at Ravenscraig)

The plans are in line with the Ravenscraig Masterplan – on a site long zoned for industrial uses.

Note this is a pre-planning application consultation and there will be an opportunity to comment once a planning application is submitted.

To find out more:

Links for further information:

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RAVENSCRAIG FOR FAMILES AS THREE-YEAR DAVID AND GOLLIATH BATTLE ENDS AS SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REJECTS RUSSELL GROUP APPEAL

Posted on 17 October 2023 by Martin

CONTROVERSIAL PLANNING APPEAL REJECTED BY SCOTTISH MINISTERS

Ravenscraig’s for families, not freightliners as a near three-year David and Goliath battle ends as Scottish Government rejects an appeal by Russell Group.

The decision, announced today (Tuesday 17th October 2023), confirms that Scottish Ministers have accepted the report by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of Scottish Government to refuse the appeal.  The decision is final, subject to the right of the applicant to seek a rarely used judicial review on a point of law only.

The decision to refuse the appeal by Scottish Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, follows rejection of the application by North Lanarkshire Council in December 2022 and a near three-year cross-party campaign by the Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG).  It also follow’s an earlier broken promise by Russell Group not to lodge an appeal following refusal by North Lanarkshire Council.

In thanking local communities, businesses and cross-party politicians, Fiona Morrison, Vice-Chair of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, said:

“Nearly three years ago, Russell Group thought this was a deal done behind closed doors.  North Lanarkshire communities, businesses, councillors, and a chorus of cross-party MSPs said that wasn’t so.

“With the future of Ravenscraig and Motherwell on the line, we couldn’t let Russell Group, Ravenscraig Ltd and a speculative development cast aside two decades of planned progress and investment by North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish & UK Governments.

“This is an important win for Ravenscraig and people-powered political campaigns.  It’s a reminder that good people can do great things in their own communities.  But our win is also a warning to Ravenscraig Limited, public and private developers more broadly that best practice place-making demands genuine engagement and inclusion for communities as areas grown and develop.  We won’t stand for imposed development.

“It’s time now for Russell Group to confirm the end of the line for their plans.  Progressive place making happens by choice, not chance and we urge Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Ravenscraig Ltd, North Lanarkshire Council and others to join with Ravenscraig Community Action Group in a new community development group to deliver the Ravenscraig Promise.”

The Ravenscraig Promise’ is a mini-manifesto for best practice place making, delivering the Ravenscraig Masterplan, realising the 1,000 new homes, schools and community facilities for the site, supporting local business whilst attracting appropriate commercial and light industrial employment.

Ravenscraig Community Action Group:

·      Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG) is a community group fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes.

The Ravenscraig Promise:

·      Recognise the promise made to a generation of steel workers to build a cleaner, better, brighter and more sustainable future for their sons and daughters, grand sons and daughters, now great grandchildren and the families who will follow.

·      Recognise the national significance of Ravenscraig as one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious urban transformation programmes.

·      Recognise that nationally significant urban transformation programmes require appropriate investment from the United Kingdom Government and Scottish Government.

·      Recognise the importance of delivering the Ravenscraig masterplan, with mixed-use development in line with National Planning Policy Framework 4 and the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan; protecting land zoned for housing and community uses; encouraging community facilities, appropriate development of employment land whilst protecting safe routes to school and sustainable travel.

·      Recognise the importance of new and affordable homes at Ravenscraig, built on land zoned for housing.

·      Recognise and commit to supporting the development of a new Community Hub for Ravenscraig, Denominational and Non-Denominational Primary Schools within Ravenscraig.

·      Recognise and commit to supporting low carbon, multi-modal transport for Ravenscraig.

·      Support a Ravenscraig fit for Families, not Freightliners : Committing to oppose rail the development of Rail Freight Distribution at Ravenscraig and calling on Scottish Government to reject Russell Group’s appeal.

·      Recognise the important role of public, private, third sector and community collaboration in the development of the Ravenscraig community and, where appropriate, community benefits from development opportunities.

·      Recognise the importance of best practice place making, supporting meaningful community engagement, information exchange, consultation and multi-stakeholder participation in a quarterly liaison group.

·      Recognise and support the development of North Lanarkshire SME’s within Ravenscraig.

The Russell Group Appeal:

·      Speaking at North Lanarkshire Council’s December 2022 full council meeting, Russell Group committed not to appeal the decision to Scottish Ministers, stating: 
“From a John G Russell perspective we’ve been through this process.  We’ve invested a lot of time, and money, and we are looking for an outcome today from this process.  We will not be going to appeal.  It will be today or not and, if its not, our investment will go to Hillington and our current Coatbridge site.”

·      The plans, opposed by Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, were the subject of circa 700 objections to North Lanarkshire Council in 2022.  Council planners found that the proposal was wholly incompatible with the Ravenscraig Masterplan, Development Plan, Local Plan and National Planning Frameworks 3 & 4 and the application was rejected resoundingly by fifty-eight councillors from all parties. 

·      Speaking at December 2022 committee, RCAG said that North Lanarkshire deserves better and urged Russell Group to reflect, recognising that rail hubs have an important role to play in Scotland’s future, but they require sustainable sites in suitable locations.

·      Russell Group, as North Lanarkshire’s planning report recognised, would have closed off a pipeline of investment and consigns Motherwell to trajectory where a heavy industrial mammoth the size of seven regional sports facilities, 36m high, operating 24 hours a day dominates our communities.

·      800m trains and over 800 Heavy Goods Vehicles movements a day in phase one alone, tearing through the heart of our communities, past our homes, schools, businesses and community facilities.

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RALLY FOR RAVENSCRAIG & AGAINST RUSSELL GROUP PLANS HEADS TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT:CROSS-PARTY MSPs CALL ON MINISTER TO REJECT CONTROVERSIAL APPEAL

Posted on 30 June 2023 by Martin

Scottish Parliamentarians from the SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Greens have called on Scotland’s Planning Minister, Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, to reject a controversial planning appeal for a transport hub that would see 800 HGVs travel through Motherwell and surrounding villages each day.

Following a successful cross-party congress hosted at North Lanarkshire Council’s civic HQ in May, members of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group took their fight to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh last week in an event hosted by Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon and Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.  The event was attended by over a fifth of Parliamentarians, from across Scotland.

The group, which is committed to the delivery of the Ravenscraig Masterplan, backed by North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish and UK Governments, called on Scottish Government to back the recently launched Ravenscraig Promise, and reject a speculative appeal on land zoned for housing by Russell Group to Scottish Ministers.

‘The Ravenscraig Promise’ is a mini-manifesto for best practice place making, delivering the Ravenscraig Masterplan, realising the 1,000 new homes, schools and community facilities for the site, supporting local business whilst attracting appropriate commercial and light industrial employment.

Fiona Morrison, Vice-Chair of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, said:

“Across local communities, North Lanarkshire Council and now Scotland’s Parliament, the cross-party chorus of opposition to Russell Group’s plans that would scar the Motherwell skyline for generations is deafening.   

“SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservative and Scottish Green Parliamentarians from all across Scotland rallied round our cause, backing the Ravenscraig Promise and calling on SNP Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP to reject the proposal already thrown out North Lanarkshire Council last Christmas.

“With the future of North Lanarkshire and two decades of planned progress at Ravenscraig on the line, it’s time for this appeal to be rejected and for Ravenscraig to again look forward, not back.”

Scottish Labour MSP, Monica Lennon, said:

“It was a privilege to co-host Ravenscraig Community Action Group in the Scottish Parliament, and I am delighted that so many MSPs pledged their support for the residents.

“The Ravenscraig Promise is a better plan for the area than the Russell Group’s damaging development.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government recognise the strength of opposition to the Russell Group’s plans, and work with Ravenscraig Community Action Group to deliver the promises made to a generation of steelworkers and their families.”

Scottish Green MSP, Gillian MacKay, said:

“Co-hosting the Ravenscraig Community Action Group at the Scottish Parliament was a great opportunity for politicians from all parties to signal their support for the Ravenscraig Promise and its positive vision for the future.

“I stand resolute in my opposition to the proposed Russell Group development at Ravenscraig and I have written to the Minister to voice my concerns. It’s now time for Ravenscraig Ltd, North Lanarkshire Council and Scottish and UK Government’s to work with local communities to sustainably transform this iconic urban environment with new homes, schools, amenities and appropriate employment.”

Cross-Party Opposition to Russell Group Application:

Speaking previously, Scottish Conservative, Meghan Gallacher MSP, said: 

“I am absolutely delighted to continue my support for Ravenscraig Community Action Group and to add my signature to the Ravenscraig Promise.

“It is imperative that across the political spectrum we come together to ensure that families and the community are placed front and centre of any future development plans for Ravenscraig.  We must continue to listen to their voices.”

Speaking previously, Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: 

“I am disappointed that the developers have lodged an appeal at the last possible moment – having committed not to do so when the matter came before council. 

“I formally objected to this proposal back in April 2021 having listened to residents and met with the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, the developers, and local authority officials. I worked with my colleague, Marion Fellows MP, over concerns around the accessibility of the initial consultation process in 2020.

“The fundamental issues remain unchanged. This proposal is a complete departure from the Ravenscraig masterplan. The people who have made Ravenscraig their home bought into a vision of a regenerated residential community.

“This development would irreparably alter the character of that community and, on that basis, the local authority rightly rejected these plans.  The appeal is a judicial process and it is now a matter for the Scottish Government’s reporter.

“But I trust the reporter will be cognisant of the overwhelming response from residents, the council’s definitive rejection and the detrimental and irreversible impact that this development would have on Ravenscraig.  In practice, it would cease to be a community but instead become an industrial site.” 

Ravenscraig Community Action Group:

·      Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG) is a community group fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes.

The Ravenscraig Promise:

·      Recognise the promise made to a generation of steel workers to build a cleaner, better, brighter and more sustainable future for their sons and daughters, grand sons and daughters, now great grandchildren and the families who will follow.

·      Recognise the national significance of Ravenscraig as one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious urban transformation programmes.

·      Recognise that nationally significant urban transformation programmes require appropriate investment from the United Kingdom Government and Scottish Government.

·      Recognise the importance of delivering the Ravenscraig masterplan, with mixed-use development in line with National Planning Policy Framework 4 and the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan; protecting land zoned for housing and community uses; encouraging community facilities, appropriate development of employment land whilst protecting safe routes to school and sustainable travel.

·      Recognise the importance of new and affordable homes at Ravenscraig, built on land zoned for housing.

·      Recognise and commit to supporting the development of a new Community Hub for Ravenscraig, Denominational and Non-Denominational Primary Schools within Ravenscraig.

·      Recognise and commit to supporting low carbon, multi-modal transport for Ravenscraig.

·      Support a Ravenscraig fit for Families, not Freightliners : Committing to oppose rail the development of Rail Freight Distribution at Ravenscraig and calling on Scottish Government to reject Russell Group’s appeal.

·      Recognise the important role of public, private, third sector and community collaboration in the development of the Ravenscraig community and, where appropriate, community benefits from development opportunities.

·      Recognise the importance of best practice place making, supporting meaningful community engagement, information exchange, consultation and multi-stakeholder participation in a quarterly liaison group.

·      Recognise and support the development of North Lanarkshire SME’s within Ravenscraig.

The Russell Group Appeal:

·      Speaking at North Lanarkshire Council’s December’s full council meeting, Russell Group committed not to appeal the decision to Scottish Ministers, stating: 
“From a John G Russell perspective we’ve been through this process.  We’ve invested a lot of time, and money, and we are looking for an outcome today from this process.  We will not be going to appeal.  It will be today or not and, if its not, our investment will go to Hillington and our current Coatbridge site.”

·      The plans, opposed by Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, were the subject of circa 700 objections to North Lanarkshire Council in 2022.  Council planners found that the proposal was wholly incompatible with the Ravenscraig Masterplan, Development Plan, Local Plan and National Planning Frameworks 3 & 4 and the application was rejected resoundingly by fifty-eight councillors from all parties. 

·      Speaking at December’s committee, RCAG said that North Lanarkshire deserves better and urged Russell Group to reflect, recognising that rail hubs have an important role to play in Scotland’s future, but they require sustainable sites in suitable locations.

·      Russell Group, as North Lanarkshire’s planning report recognised, closes off a pipeline of investment and consigns Motherwell to trajectory where a heavy industrial mammoth the size of seven regional sports facilities, 36m high, operating 24 hours a day dominates our communities.

·      800m trains and over 800 Heavy Goods Vehicles movements a day in phase one alone, tearing through the heart of our communities, past our homes, schools, businesses and community facilities.

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Taking the Ravenscraig Promise to Parliament

Posted on 19 June 2023 by Martin

Deliver the Ravenscraig Promise & Reject the Russell Group Planning Appeal

📰 Week in, week out, our cross-party Scottish National Party (SNP) Scottish Labour PartyScottish Conservatives Scottish Green Party coalition to deliver the Ravenscraig Promise and reject a controversial Russell Group appeal that threatens a decade of planned progress and locks out future investment, keeps underway.

🗳️ This Thursday (22nd June) we’ll be at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, calling on politicians from all parties to:

• Deliver the Ravenscraig Promise.
• Deliver one of Europe’s largest and most. ambitious urban transformation programmes.
• Speak out against a decade of planned progress by North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish and UK Government under threat.
• Join the cross-party consensus to deliver the Ravenscraig Masterplan and REJECT a controversial Russell Group appeal that threatens a decade of planned progress and locks out future investment.
• Call on Scottish Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP to support a Ravenscraig fit for Families, not Freightliners.

🚨 Like I Comment I Share
🚨 Talk to friends and neighbours
🚨 Email your MP and MSPs (SNP, Lab, Con, Greens) urging them to attend The Scottish Parliament event this Thursday.
🚨 Email Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP and tell him to reject the Russell Group plans : Joe.fitzpatrick.msp@parliament.scot
🚨 Donate £20 to support the fight
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ravenscraigcag1…
👉 More at ravenscraig.org

#Ravenscraig

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CROSS PARTY CONGRESS LOOKS FORWARD, NOT BACK ON THE FUTURE FOR RAVENSCRAIG

Posted on 8 May 2023 by Martin

Ravenscraig Promise launched by Ravenscraig Community Action Group
Cross-party chorus renews calls to reject Russell Group planning appeal

A cross-party congress on the future of Ravenscraig is looking forward, not back – renewing calls for the rejection of a controversial planning appeal by Russell Group.  The proposals were thrown out by North Lanarkshire Council in December 2022 and subject to a planning appeal to Scottish Ministers, despite commitments by Russell Group not to do so.

Plans, rejected by the council, would see the development of a giant industrial complex the size of eight regional sports centres, with 775m freight trains operating 24 hours a day and 800 heavy goods vehicles movements trundling through the heart of Motherwell, running past local schools, homes and community facilities from Ravenscraig to Airbles Road

The meeting was oragnised by Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), held at North Lanarkshire Council HQ and featured the area’s MP, MSPs and councillors from across the political spectrum.  The meeting featured a briefing from North Lanarkshire Council place making and planning chiefs, heard from local families across Ravenscraig and discussed next steps for Ravenscraig.

The action group launched ‘The Ravenscraig Promise’ – a mini-manifesto for best practice place making, delivering the Ravenscraig Masterplan, realising the 1,000 new homes, schools and community facilities for the site, whilst attracting appropriate commercial and light industrial employment.

Politicians from across the political spectrum reconfirmed their commitment to oppose the Russell Group plans, to write to Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, and to take their campaign to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Ryan O’Donnell, Chair of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, said:

“From every point on the political spectrum, the cross-party chorus of opposition to Russell Group’s plans that would scar the Motherwell skyline for generations is deafening.   With the future of North Lanarkshire on the line, the cross-party congress on the future of Ravenscraig looked forward, not back.

“The Ravenscraig Promise offers a positive vision for the future, to delivering the promise to a generation of steelworkers, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  It builds on two-decades of planned progress and investment and offers a framework for best practice place making and the delivery of new homes, schools and community facilities.

“Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP must move quickly to signal the end of the line for Russell Group’s plans and the Ravenscraig Partnership should recognise that seeking to bulldoze unwanted development through local communities won’t wash any more.  As one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes, Ravenscraig can and should be a model of sustainable, local living in North Lanarkshire and our community won’t rest until that is delivered.”

Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon MSP, said:

“I commend the Ravenscraig Community Action Group for uniting local people and politicians around a positive vision for the area. I was pleased to sign The Ravenscraig Promise, and I hope all councillors and parliamentarians for Ravenscraig and the surrounding areas get behind the community too.

“The residents of Ravenscraig have invested their time, energy and money in the promise of a brighter future. The future of the area should be decided by those who live and work in the Ravenscraig community, and I believe strongly that their voices must be heard.

“North Lanarkshire Council was right to reject the Russell Group plan and Scottish Ministers must do the same now that the appeal is in their hands.”

Central Scotland Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who has written to Scotland’s new planning minister calling on Scottish Government to reject the appeal, added:

“This proposal has already been rejected by North Lanarkshire Council following significant pressure from local residents. It’s time for the new community Lanarkshire was promised with schools and local amenities, not massive industrial buildings and 800 dirty diesel HGV’s passing by a number of schools in the town 24 hours a day.”

Scottish Conservative, Meghan Gallacher MSP, said: 

“I am absolutely delighted to continue my support for Ravenscraig Community Action Group and to add my signature to the Ravenscraig Promise.

“It is imperative that across the political spectrum we come together to ensure that families and the community are placed front and centre of any future development plans for Ravenscraig.  We must continue to listen to their voices.”

Speaking previously, Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said:

“I am disappointed that the developers have lodged an appeal at the last possible moment – having committed not to do so when the matter came before council. 

“I formally objected to this proposal back in April 2021 having listened to residents and met with the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, the developers, and local authority officials. I worked with my colleague, Marion Fellows MP, over concerns around the accessibility of the initial consultation process in 2020.

“The fundamental issues remain unchanged. This proposal is a complete departure from the Ravenscraig masterplan. The people who have made Ravenscraig their home bought into a vision of a regenerated residential community.

“This development would irreparably alter the character of that community and, on that basis, the local authority rightly rejected these plans.  The appeal is a judicial process and it is now a matter for the Scottish Government’s reporter.

“But I trust the reporter will be cognisant of the overwhelming response from residents, the council’s definitive rejection and the detrimental and irreversible impact that this development would have on Ravenscraig.  In practice, it would cease to be a community but instead become an industrial site.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG) is a community group fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes.

THE RAVENSCRAIG PROMISE:

·       Recognise the promise made to a generation of steel workers to build a cleaner, better, brighter and more sustainable future for their sons and daughters, grand sons and daughters, now great grandchildren and the families who will follow.

·       Recognise the national significance of Ravenscraig as one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious urban transformation programmes.

·       Recognise that nationally significant urban transformation programmes require appropriate investment from the United Kingdom Government and Scottish Government.

·       Recognise the importance of delivering the Ravenscraig masterplan, with mixed-use development in line with National Planning Policy Framework 4 and the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan; protecting land zoned for housing and community uses; encouraging community facilities, appropriate development of employment land whilst protecting safe routes to school and sustainable travel.

·       Recognise the importance of new and affordable homes at Ravenscriag, built on land zoned for housing.

·       Recognise and commit to supporting the development of a new Community Hub for Ravenscraig, Denominational and Non-Denominational Primary Schools within Ravenscraig.

·       Recognise and commit to supporting low carbon, multi-modal transport for Ravenscraig.

·       Support a Ravenscraig fit for Families, not Freightliners : Committing to oppose rail the development of Rail Freight Distribution at Ravenscraig and calling on Scottish Government to reject Russell Group’s appeal.

·       Recognise the important role of public, private, third sector and community collaboration in the development of the Ravenscraig community and, where appropriate, community benefits from development opportunities.

·       Recognise the importance of best practice place making, supporting meaningful community engagement, information exchange, consultation and multi-stakeholder participation in a quarterly liaison group.

·       Recognise and support the development of North Lanarkshire SME’s within Ravenscraig.

Donate to fight the rail hub

RUSSELL GROUP APPLICATION:

  • Speaking at North Lanarkshire Council’s December’s full council meeting, Russell Group committed not to appeal the decision to Scottish Ministers, stating: 

“From a John G Russell perspective we’ve been through this process.  We’ve invested a lot of time, and money, and we are looking for an outcome today from this process.  We will not be going to appeal.  It will be today or not and, if its not, our investment will go to Hillington and our current Coatbridge site.”

  • The plans, opposed by Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, were the subject of circa 700 objections to North Lanarkshire Council in 2022.  Council planners found that the proposal was wholly incompatible with the Ravenscraig Masterplan, Development Plan, Local Plan and National Planning Frameworks 3 & 4 and the application was rejected resoundingly by fifty-eight councillors from all parties. 
  • Speaking at December’s committee, RCAG said that North Lanarkshire deserves better and urged Russell Group to reflect, recognising that rail hubs have an important role to play in Scotland’s future, but they require sustainable sites in suitable locations.
  • Russell Group, as North Lanarkshire’s planning report recognised, closes off a pipeline of investment and consigns Motherwell to trajectory where a heavy industrial mammoth the size of seven regional sports facilities, 36m high, operating 24 hours a day dominates our communities.
  • 800m trains and over 800 Heavy Goods Vehicles movements a day in phase one alone, tearing through the heart of our communities, past our homes, schools, businesses and community facilities.

POLITICAL REACTION:

  • North Lanarkshire Council Labour Provost Councillor Kenneth Duffy has written to local parliamentarians, who registered objections to the original application, demanding they make urgent representations with Scottish Government Ministers to throw out the appeal.  

    He said “the campaign against the initial application was spearheaded by Ravenscraig Community Action Group supported by a cross party collection of MSPs, MPs and councillors. This bipartisan approach was well received by residents who felt encouraged observing party politics cast aside for the good of the community. 

    “The plans for a new rail freight terminal in Ravenscraig were emphatically rejected by the local councillors last December.

“SNP/Green Ministers within the Scottish Government should respect local democracy. The campaign to reject the original application was supported by Green and SNP MSPs, I will be asking them to challenge their colleagues to see this appeal kicked out.”

  • Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: “I am disappointed that the developers have lodged an appeal at the last possible moment – having committed not to do so when the matter came before council. 

    “I formally objected to this proposal back in April 2021 having listened to residents and met with the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, the developers, and local authority officials. I worked with my colleague, Marion Fellows MP, over concerns around the accessibility of the initial consultation process in 2020.

    “The fundamental issues remain unchanged. This proposal is a complete departure from the Ravenscraig masterplan. The people who have made Ravenscraig their home bought into a vision of a regenerated residential community.

    “This development would irreparably alter the character of that community and, on that basis, the local authority rightly rejected these plans.  The appeal is a judicial process and it is now a matter for the Scottish Government’s reporter.

    “But I trust the reporter will be cognisant of the overwhelming response from residents, the council’s definitive rejection and the detrimental and irreversible impact that this development would have on Ravenscraig.  In practice, it would cease to be a community but instead become an industrial site. 
  • Central Scotland Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who has written to Scotland’s new planning minister calling on Scottish Government to reject the appeal, added: “This proposal has already been rejected by North Lanarkshire Council following significant pressure from local residents. “It’s time for the new community Lanarkshire was promised with schools and local amenities, not massive industrial buildings and 800 dirty diesel HGV’s passing by a number of schools in the town 24 hours a day.”
  • Scottish Conservative MSP, Meghan Gallacher, added: “This really isn’t on. In North Lanarkshire alone, roughly 40% of planning applications rejected by the Council have been overturned by the Scottish Government reporter.  Ravenscraig and the Council said ‘NO’ to the proposed rail hub – the reporter must listen.”
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SAVE OUR SCHOOL BUSES

Posted on 30 April 2023 by Martin

  • In March, RCAG launched our ’New Schools for Ravenscraig’ campaign.
  • On 23rd March we hosted an online public meeting with councillors and council chiefs.
  • We shared our learning in a new ’10 things you need to know about Ravenscraig’ newsletter.
  • We committed to fighting council cuts to Ravenscraig free school busses until our long-proimsed new, local schools are delivered.
  • We’ve now made the case for retention in our formal submission to the council and have met with councillors, the Convener of Education, our MSPs and MP.
  • In addition to the council’s consultation, have your say in an online survey hosted by Clare Adamson MSP and Marion Fellows MP.

SAVE OUR SCHOOL BUSES:
RCAG RESPONSE TO NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CONSULTATION

Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes, is firmly opposed to the proposals which would see a significant reduction and in some cases withdrawal of free school bus provision from Ravenscraig.

Safe and accessible local schools matters to us all but the new schools our community was promised at Ravenscraig haven’t been delivered and now the council is proposing ending school transport for our children to existing schools.

The Action Group recently launched a new campaign focused on securing new, long promised, primary schools for Ravenscraig and securing free school bus provision to surrounding schools until such times as the new schools are built.

The Action Group recently met with Provost Kenneth Duffy, representatives of all political parties, Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer, Place, North Lanarkshire Council and Pauline O’Neill, Education Manager, North Lanarkshire Council. The group was grateful for the positive engagement with both officers.

During a digital public meeting hosted by RCAG on 23rd March 2023, both reconfirmed the authority’s commitment to the two schools. 

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We remain 100 per cent committed to delivering a new community hub, which will include two new primary schools, within Ravenscraig. 

“This project is expected to be delivered as part of the next capital programme allocation for the Town and Community Hub Programme of Work. The next capital programme is expected to commence in April 2024. 

Ms. Humphries confirmed that the council would this year receive ‘an initial £4.7 m payment….. as a contribution to the first primary school, and Ravenscraig Ltd have also agreed to transfer the SC site to the council for the purposes of delivering the primary school. I can further confirm that the payment, once received, will be ringfenced and will only be used for the purposes of education provision for the Ravenscraig development. 

With a circa three-year planning and build programme, current estimates for delivery

(subject to capital programme timelines) could see both schools open after 2027.

The authority, in policy papers and in public statements, recognises that unlike other areas, the site currently suffers from poor access and is investing in multi-modal access improvements inc safe walking, cycling and public transport provision. Whilst some local access (eg to Craigneuk) has been provided, many of the improvements to areas required to access main access points are some years off.

The authority also recognises again, unlike other areas, that the site currently suffers from poor public transport provision and the authority is working with partners to address this. The proposed provision is unlikely to provide a feasible solution to replacing the proposed withdrawal of school bus provision.

North Lanarkshire’s Provost and local elected members recognise both the yet undelivered commitments the authority has made to the new community of Ravenscraig and the unique nature of both the current near-term access and public transport challenges at the site. 

The areas is subject to a significant speculative large-scale industrial proposal which would see 800 HGV movements in phase one of the development alone. North Lanarkshire Council rejected the application in December 2022 and despite commitments not to appeal, the developer submitted an appeal to the Scottish Ministers which is with them for consideration.

In their committee report and in their case for rejection, officials and members noted the significant risk this development poses to residents, to pedestrian and road safety which must be considered given potential for approval.

Recognising these unique and particular challenges, in addition to the lack of safe walking routes to current primary and secondary schools, parents and families across the site are calling on North Lanarkshire Council to maintain provision across the Ravenscraig site at current levels in the medium-term until the proposed new schools are delivered.

A commitment to doing so would ensure the council maintains its commitments to the provision of safe routes to school until such time as new local provision is delivered. 

The authority should avoid double disadvantaging Ravenscraig, recognising it is currently achieving savings by the re-profiling investment in new, local schools into the next capital programme. The savings profile can and should be balanced when the new, long promised local schools are delivered.

Ravenscraig Community Action Group is committed to continuing to work positively with North Lanarkshire Council and is hopeful the above points will be considered.

More information on the group and it’s work is available from : http://www.ravenscraig.org

NLC School Transport Proposals Survey

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FOCUS ON FITZPATRICK TO DELIVER THE PROMISE TO STEEL FAMILIES AS FUTURE OF NORTH LANARKSHIRE ON THE LINE

Posted on 14 April 2023 by Martin

FOCUS ON FITZPATRICK TO DELIVER THE PROMISE TO STEEL FAMILIES AS FUTURE OF NORTH LANARKSHIRE ON THE LINE

CROSS-PARTY CHORUS AND COUNCIL CALL FOR MINSTER TO REJECT TRANSPORT HUB AND DELIVER RAVENSCRAIG MASTERPLAN NEARLY 31 YEARS AFTER STEELWORKS CLOSURE – 
PLANNING APPEAL ‘CALLED IN’ BY SCOTTISH MINISTERS

Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), fostering families, community and sustainable place making at the heart of one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes, has today (Friday 14th April) called on Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP to reject a controversial last-ditch appeal by Russell Group for a ‘dirty diesel transport hub’ on a site zoned for over a thousand new homes on one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration sites.

The call, backed by North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, comes after Russell Group submitted a planning appeal to Scottish Government for their controversial transport hub, thrown out by North Lanarkshire Council in December 2022.  

Coming ahead of a cross-party congress called by Ravenscraig Community Action Group and North Lanarkshire Council leaders on 28th April, Scottish Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP yesterday (Thursday 13th April) ‘called in’ the application, meaning he will now determine it himself as opposed to planning officials.

The controversial plans, opposed by Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, were the subject of circa 700 objections to North Lanarkshire Council in 2022.  Council planners found that the proposal was wholly incompatible with the Ravenscraig Masterplan, Development Plan, Local Plan and National Planning Frameworks 3 & 4 and the application was rejected resoundingly by fifty-eight councillors from all parties. 

Speaking at North Lanarkshire Council’s December’s full council meeting, Russell Group committed not to appeal the decision to Scottish Ministers, stating: 

“From a John G Russell perspective we’ve been through this process.  We’ve invested a lot of time, and money, and we are looking for an outcome today from this process.  We will not be going to appeal.  It will be today or not and, if its not, our investment will go to Hillington and our current Coatbridge site.”

With three months to lodge an appeal following a planning determination, Russell Group chose less than 24 hours before the window closed to submit their appeal to Scottish Government, with no engagement with local stakeholders.

Ryan O’Donnell, Chair of the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, said:

“As one of Europe’s one of Europe’s largest urban transformation programmes, Ravenscraig is of national significance.  

“Ravenscraig has a bright future, attracting investment to date in remediation, new roads, rail enhancements and active travel; in New College Lanarkshire; Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, a new £3.7m public park, retail, a restaurant a thriving community of new and social homes.  Next steps investment is gathering pace, with new home building underway; with plans for new schools, a community hub, new retail, new housing and light industrial uses.  Ravenscraig is moving forward, not back.   

“Now two-decades of planned progress and investment and the future of Motherwell and North Lanarkshire is at stake with the push of a Scottish Government pen.  With a chorus of cross-party opposition by North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Labour, Scottish National Party, Scottish Green and Scottish Conservative politicians, the focus is firmly on Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP ahead of 28th April to signal the end of the line for the controversial Russell Group plans and deliver the promise to steel families.  

“The promise made to a generation of steel workers was to build a cleaner, better future for their sons and daughters, grand sons and daughters, now great grandchildren and the families who will follow.  Now, at one the most critical point since the closure of the steelworks in 1992, the SNP Scottish Government must reject this proposal once and for all and commit to supporting the Masterplan.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • Scottish Government Planning Minister, Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, ‘called in’ ‘the application on Thursday 13th April 2023, meaning he will now determine it himself as opposed to planning officials.
  • The move comes after Ravenscraig Community Action Group, Provost Councillor Kenneth Duffy, Council Leader Jim Logue and Deputy Leader Paul Kelly invited local and regional MSPs, MP and councillors to a cross-party briefing and strategy discussion to be held at 10:00 Hrs on Friday 28th April 2023 at North Lanarkshire Council, Civic Centre, Motherwell.
  • The meeting will feature a briefing, strategy discussion, photocall and an invitation for elected members to sign a pledge to support the delivery of the Ravenscraig Masterplan, including new and affordable homes, new schools, community facilities, light industry and sustainable travel.
  • Speaking at December’s committee, RCAG said that North Lanarkshire deserves better and urged Russell Group to reflect, recognising that rail hubs have an important role to play in Scotland’s future, but they require sustainable sites in suitable locations.
  • Russell Group, as North Lanarkshire’s planning report recognised, closes off a pipeline of investment and consigns Motherwell to trajectory where a heavy industrial mammoth the size of seven regional sports facilities, 36m high, operating 24 hours a day dominates our communities.
  • 800m trains and over 800 Heavy Goods Vehicles movements a day in phase one alone, tearing through the heart of our communities, past our homes, schools, businesses and community facilities.
  • North Lanarkshire Council Labour Provost Councillor Kenneth Duffy has written to local parliamentarians, who registered objections to the original application, demanding they make urgent representations with Scottish Government Ministers to throw out the appeal.  He said “the campaign against the initial application was spearheaded by Ravenscraig Community Action Group supported by a cross party collection of MSPs, MPs and councillors. This bipartisan approach was well received by residents who felt encouraged observing party politics cast aside for the good of the community. 

    “Local parliamentarians made public objections to the application before it came before council, I have asked they now speak with party colleagues in government to reiterate those views.

    “If the Scottish Government want to resolve democratic deficits, they should set the example by allowing local democracy to flourish and putting an end to these unwelcome interventions.”
  • Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: “I am disappointed that the developers have lodged an appeal at the last possible moment – having committed not to do so when the matter came before council.

    “I formally objected to this proposal back in April 2021 having listened to residents and met with the Ravenscraig Community Action Group, the developers, and local authority officials. I worked with my colleague, Marion Fellows MP, over concerns around the accessibility of the initial consultation process in 2020.

    “The fundamental issues remain unchanged. This proposal is a complete departure from the Ravenscraig masterplan. The people who have made Ravenscraig their home bought into a vision of a regenerated residential community.

    “This development would irreparably alter the character of that community and, on that basis, the local authority rightly rejected these plans.  The appeal is a judicial process and it is now a matter for the Scottish Government’s reporter.

    “But I trust the reporter will be cognisant of the overwhelming response from residents, the council’s definitive rejection and the detrimental and irreversible impact that this development would have on Ravenscraig.  In practice, it would cease to be a community but instead become an industrial site. 
  • Central Scotland Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who has written to Scotland’s new planning minister calling on Scottish Government to reject the appeal, added: “This proposal has already been rejected by North Lanarkshire Council following significant pressure from local residents. “It’s time for the new community Lanarkshire was promised with schools and local amenities, not massive industrial buildings and 800 dirty diesel HGV’s passing by a number of schools in the town 24 hours a day.”
  • Scottish Conservative MSP, Meghan Gallacher, added: “This really isn’t on. In North Lanarkshire alone, roughly 40% of planning applications rejected by the Council have been overturned by the Scottish Government reporter.  Ravenscraig and the Council said ‘NO’ to the proposed rail hub – the reporter must listen.”
  • Scottish Conservative Councillor Nathan Wilson, has also written to the Scottish Government, outlining the threat to future investment, stating: “For the future of Ravenscraig and the people who have made the area their home, the correct course of action is a rejection of this appeal.”

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🚨 Email your MP and MSPs (SNP, Lab, Con, Greens) urging them to attend the cross-party congress on 28th April

🚨 Email Scottish Government Planning Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP and tell him to reject the plans : Joe.fitzpatrick.msp@parliament.scot

🚨 Donate £20 to support the fight

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Ravenscraig News : 10 things you need to know

Posted on 9 April 2023 by Martin

Welcome to the first edition of Ravenscraig News, a new eNewsletter from Ravenscraig Community Acton Group (RCAG).  In this launch edition, we look at ten things you need to know about the future of Ravenscraig.  For the latest info, follow us on social media and visit ravenscraig.org

Donate to fight the rail hub
Donate to fight the rail hub

Links:

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Week in, week out, we’re keeping up the pressure on Russell Group and their dirty diesel plans that threaten the future of Motherwell

Posted on 8 April 2023 by Martin

📰 Week in, week out, we’re keeping up the pressure on Russell Group and their dirty diesel plans that threaten the future of Motherwell.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 We urgently need your help:

#Ravenscraig #ravenscraigforfamilies

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