September 2010 Gartcosh / Gartloch Study
Table 4 - Summary of Key Site Specific Constraints and Opportunities for North Lanarkshire Sites SITE NO/REF
KEY COMMENTS ON SITE SPECIFIC CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
SITES G1 &G9 Johnston Loch Sites
∙∙
∙∙
∙∙
∙∙
SITES G2 & G4 Johnston House Sites
RECOMMENDATION
Topography - the site slopes from high points in the north along the Mount Ellen ridge and at Heathfield Farm towards Key constraints and issues associated with future development relate to the railway line running along the southern boundary of the site and also towards Johnston Loch. Development would be the SINC, proximity to Johnston Loch, access and topography. compromised on the steep south facing slope leading to the loch. Both sites should be taken forward on a combined and integrated basis Flooding – small parts of sites G1 and G9 fall within the floodplain at their southern boundary, closest to the railway line. to ensure a comprehensive approach to development, but with clearly Drainage issues and the relationship of the site with the wetland area and Johnston Loch require careful consideration. defined developable areas given their environmental sensitivity and reOpportunities exist for enhanced habitat areas through the introduction of appropriate SUDS. lationship with Johnston Loch/SINC. Existing woodland and shelterbelts Ecology and biodiversity – the SINC located immediately west of Johnston loch, proximity to Johnston Loch and the should be retained where possible and incorporated into the design. fragility of the wetland area require careful consideration regarding impact of future development. Opportunities exist to create an enhanced setting and improved access to the Loch as an important natural asset for the area and green The key priority is to ensure that guidelines are in place for sensitive and appropriate development aimed at enhancing the setting of Johnston network as a whole. Loch and the surrounding habitat networks. Landscape/green network – Johnston Loch provides a wonderful opportunity to engage people with nature. Recreational opportunities exist adjacent to the loch and the adjoining resources of Heathfield Moss and Garnkirk Moss provide potential opportunities to enhance the green network and provide access opportunities. Amenity sports ground exists to the north of the site in Mount Ellen, at Mount Ellen Golf Course and nearby school grounds. Natural green space with minimal amenity value surrounds the eastern and northern edge of the loch.
∙∙
Access/connectivity – key vehicular access is from A762 Lochend Road in the east and Southview Place and Drumcavel Road (A726) to the north. Existing pedestrian access points are located from local walking routes around Heathfield and Garnkirk Mosses. There is an opportunity to create linkages through development to the wider community and to enhance existing access in a controlled manner to the loch edge.
∙∙
Designations – SINCS - Johnston Loch, Garnkirk Moss Northeast, Rosebank Cottage, Garnkirk Moss Northwest and Heathfield Moss.
∙∙
Other - access constrained due to the limitations of the current road network/layout and private ownerships. Site access from the north may require additional land purchase from existing private owners along Drumcavel Road. Access issues will require further consideration in relation to the future assessment of site capacity and masterplanning.
∙∙
Topography – the site slopes upwards toward Mount Ellen Golf Course in the north. There are no major topographical Recommended inclusion of site in its entirety. Careful consideration constraints to development needs to be given to integration of new development with consented scheme, relationship to Mount Ellen golf course and adjoining commuFlooding – the site sits outwith the flood plain. nity. Parts of the site provide potential to provide a green buffer and preEcology – no designated ecological areas within these sites but elements of woodland habitat, plus relationship with vent coalescence with Glenboig. Also opportunity to create wildlife corMount Ellen Golf Course, proximity to Drumcavel Quarry SINC, the proposed Gartcosh LNR and wider green network to ridor adjacent to Mount Ellen Golf Course. A SUDS feature to the north of Johnston Road would also reduce the perception of coalescence. the west (Johnston Loch). Significant barrier at eastern edge of site given proximity to the motorway.
∙∙ ∙∙
∙∙
Landscape/green network – the proposed development site borders Mount Ellen Golf Course to the north. There is potential for a green buffer to be created along this edge.
∙∙
Access/connectivity –the primary feeder route is Johnston Road, however access onto Lochend Road may also be possible. There are opportunities to create pedestrian linkages with greenspace and existing communities.
∙∙
Designations – none within site but in close proximity to Johnston Loch and Drumcavel Quarry SINCs as well as the proposed Gartcosh LNR.
∙∙
Other – consent granted for 52 houses on site G4. Heritage of Johnston House to be considered.
41