North Lanarkshire Council Leader Councillor Jim McCabe today (Wednesday 25 October) expressed his delight at the news that the House of Lords has dismissed an appeal that has hindered work on the multi-million-pound Ravenscraig development for around two years.

Land Securities - which has substantial retail interests in East Kilbride and Livingston - had appealed against the Scottish Ministers' decision to approve an alteration to the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan, giving Ravenscraig 'town centre' status.

The company originally appealed to the Court of Session along with Standard Life; however the Court approved the Ministers' original decision last year. This led to an appeal to the House of Lords. That appeal has now been unanimously dismissed.

"I am absolutely delighted that the House of Lords - the final court of appeal in this country - has approved the alteration to the structure plan, which grants the Ravenscraig development the town centre status it deserves," said Councillor McCabe.

"This is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, and will provide 10,000 new jobs; 3,500 new homes; new schools; a brand new town centre with superb retail, business and leisure facilities; an improved transport infrastructure; and a state-of-the-art sports facility.

"We have always believed the appeal was all about commercial interest only, and that view has been vindicated by today's judgement. And the result was the council, the Ravenscraig Partnership (Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire and Corus), and the people of Lanarkshire and the West of Scotland having to endure two years of lengthy court proceedings.

"The subsequent delay, while it could not detract from the importance of this nationally-significant project, or impact negatively on the benefits it will bring, nevertheless wasted valuable time which would have brought those benefits that much closer.

"However, we will not waste time ourselves dwelling on the past - our job now is to progress this terrific project and begin the delivery of the host of economic and regeneration opportunities it will bring."

Councillor James Coyle, Convener of the Planning and Environment Committee, echoed Councillor McCabe's words, adding that the town centre status that has now been granted will be an important factor in the progression of the Ravenscraig project.

"This confirmation of Ravenscraig's town centre status is a key driver in delivering quality retail facilities," he said. "It will help to encourage and secure further investment from developers and businesses, and lay the groundwork for what will become a thriving, energetic and successful community.

"Millions of pounds have already been invested in this huge site, and today's judgement is a real milestone towards taking the next step forward. I am very pleased that we can now take that next step and become even more focused on delivering real results for the people of North Lanarkshire and beyond."