PLANS by Burnside Bowling Club to build a house on their land have been thrown out as “awful” and “dangerous” by councillors.

An appeal by the bowling club was unanimously dismissed by South Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Local Review Body on Monday, August 8.

Councillor Graham Scott (East Kilbride East) “wholeheartedly” agreed with the original decision to refuse permission and added: “I think this is an awful application from Burnside Bowling Club.”

In February this year, planing officers decided to refuse the application on the basis that the proposed new access road would negatively impact road safety and the B-listed Burnside Parish Church and that it could lead to an over development of the site.

More than 20 objections were received from members of the public – including Cllr Robert Brown (Rutherglen South) who was objecting in his capacity as a local resident and not as a councillor.

In addition, the Coal Authority also objected to the proposals as the site is in a “high-risk mining area” and they disagreed with the findings of a coal report submitted by the applicant.

Planning adviser Gwen McCracken said: “Consultation responses were received from the Coal Authority, environmental services, Burnside Community Council and roads and transportation services.

“The application site is in a high-risk mining area and a coal mining risk assessment report requires to be submitted.

“While a report was then submitted, it did not provide the assessment required for the potential risks to the development.

“Roads and transportation deferred their decision. They advised that during peak times, westbound traffic queues would impede access to the plot and vehicles seeking access to the site would cause traffic delays at this signalised junction.

“It was recommended that the applicant explore an alternative access to the site and combined access to the site with that used by the bowling club.”

Councillors spent less than two minutes debating the substance of the application before agreeing to uphold the original decision.

Cllr Jim Wardaugh (East Kilbride East) said: “I would agree with the planners on this one. I think it’s a development that wouldn’t contribute anything to the amenity of the neighbourhood.

“I would be quite content to go with the planner’s decision.”

Cllr Scott added: “If you want to have a look at what a dangerous access could be, look at the plans for this one.

“It is virtually right next to a pedestrian crossing at a busy four-way junction. The officer got it absolutely totally correct.”