Flats plan for former police station site delayed. Council cites missing reports and assessments.

The council had many reasons for saying no. The Coal Authority objected to the building plans. The applicant wants the council to reconsider its view. He thinks it will improve the rundown area.
Mohammed Dilshad Star still needs to give reports. He needs to provide a coal mining risk assessment, and Councillor Ken Andrew spoke about the missing items. He chairs the planning review committee.
He said some information is missing from the application. There is no coal mining risk assessment report. They also lack a flooding risk assessment document. He wants a biodiversity report. A geoenvironmental report is also absent.
Councillors decided to continue the discussion later. They want to allow time to provide the information. Andrew thinks they then can make a better choice.
Council officials refused the plan initially. They said historic coal mining likely occurred there. It happened at shallow depth. The broken ground may cause instability. Mine gases may emit in the area.
He hasn’t provided a coal mining risk assessment yet. The applicant stated in the appeal he will request it. He will also ask for a flood risk assessment. He needs feedback from Scottish Water too. He will supply documents when he receives them.
The planners denied permission also because space was lacking. There was not enough amenity area. The planning team viewed the plan as over-development. The proposal did not match local styles.
The plan would not reflect local architecture, they said. The residence would have no amenity space outside. This lack hurts the residents’ health and reduces relaxation areas for people.
If councillors approve it, the developer must pay. He needs to pay £15,080 to make up for no open space.