PLANS to build 1600 homes in the north of Glasgow, together with a new rail station, hotel and shops, are expected to be approved by councillors this week.
The multimillion-pound development on a 420-acre site at Robroy- ston, straddling the M80, was rejected by Glasgow City Council last year due to doubts over whether the station would be approved.
But a revised planning application by homebuilder Stewart Milne is likely to be given the green light tomorrow after an objection was withdrawn by Network Rail.
A condition of the revised bid is that building would start only once the case is made for a new station and park-and-ride facilities.
A detailed study on the merits of building a station has begun, in consultation with the council, Network Rail, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and government agency Transport Scotland.
Its results are expected to inform a decision by Transport Scotland and Network Rail, which owns and operates track infrastructure, on whether to approve a new station.
If approved, the planning application would be valid for 10 years. It includes plans for nearly 3000squ m of retail space, healthcare and community centres, sports facilities, open spaces and a motorway underpass.
A report that is due to be presented to councillors tomorrow concluded there were still obstacles to overcome in proving the case for building a new station.
The report stated: “Transport Scotland advises that it still remains of the view that there are likely to be a number of issues that may affect the viability of a business case for a new railway station
“Rolling stock requirements, the operation of Queen Street station, value for money and affordability will also need to be assessed.”
Source: Evening Times