Cadzow Bing is to be removed with the material recovered used in large-scale national construction projects.

The seven-hectare site in Hamilton was used to deposit spoil - including shale, blaes, coal and ash - from the former Cadzow Colliery from the late 1800s until 1944. For the last 65 years the site has remained undeveloped.

But now, following approval by the South Lanarkshire Council of a mineral application by Cruden Estates will see the phased removal of the 28m-high bing in less than two years followed by the creation of a housing development (subject to a separate planning application).

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Removal is to be undertaken in six stages with the initial two stages of slope stabilisation lasting up to four months. The final four phases of hollowing out, removal and restoration are expected to take around 18 months.

These measures will include the conclusion of a section 75 legal agreement to cover: off-site monitoring programmes relating to noise, dust and vibration; establishment of a Cadzow Bing community liaison group; control of the haul route and the convoy of vehicles to and from the site and onto the trunk road network; contribution to the ongoing employment of a Minerals Planning Monitoring and Enforcement Officer and a restoration and aftercare guarantee bond to cover the full costs of restoring the site.

The material extracted from the bing will be taken through the privately-owned and maintained Cadzow Industrial Estate onto the A723 then the M74 via junction six.

As a result, a section 96 legal agreement, for contributions towards the maintenance of the local road network will also be concluded.

(GK/BMcC)