North Lanarkshire Council has backed a call for the Scottish Ministers to overturn their decision to grant permission for the development of a distribution centre despite their own officials agreeing it should be refused.

The council is seeking a judicial review in a bid to halt the construction of Mossend International Railfreight Park (MIRP) on greenbelt land in Bellshill.

Planning permission for the development was unanimously rejected by councillors last year amid complaints from residents about noise and pollution. Logistics firm, PD Stirling, appealed to the Scottish Government which approved the plans in principle in August.

Backing local Bellshill and Mossend councillors Harry Curran and Frank McNally, the local authority has urged the decision be overturned.

The council has lodged papers in court seeking a judicial review of the Scottish Ministers’ decision to go against the advice of their officials.

While minority group members chose to abstain from a vote, councillors unanimously agreed to a support a call for the preservation of Greenbelt and Greenspaces throughout the authority area and upholding the integrity of the Local Plan.

Cllr Curran said: “I condemn the decision of the Scottish Ministers to overturn both the council’s decision and the reporter Office who agreed the application by PD Stirling be refused.

“The decision by government ministers will have a terrible effect on the people who live in the area. This means the destruction of the last piece of greenbelt in the Mossend area.

“I would urge this decision be overturned.”