Description of local environment

Air quality

The scheme is located along a section of the M74, between Larkhall and Blackwood in South Lanarkshire. The immediate scheme extents are bordered by densely populated mature trees and vegetation, with trees becoming sporadic within the middle section of the scheme extents. Where trees are sparse, the bordering agricultural fields can be seen to the north, south, east and west. The scheme extents run adjacent to the towns Larkhall and Blackwood.

There are over 100 residential properties located within 200m of the scheme extents, with the closest being located approximately 29m east of the carriageway in Blackwood. Other key air quality receptors within 200m include the following:

Larkhall Golf Course is located approximately 40m west of the scheme extents;
Larkhall – Donaldson Road Play Park is located approximately 186m west of the scheme extents;
The Old School Guest House is located 50m west of the scheme extents; and
Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Community Wing Centre is located 74m east of the scheme extents.

Despite South Lanarkshire Council declaring two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), all are situated beyond 200m of the scheme extents. here are no Air Quality Monitoring Stations within 200m of the scheme extents.

There are no sites registered on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) within 1km of the scheme extents.

Baseline air quality is primarily influenced by traffic travelling along the M74. The volume of vehicles is demonstrated by the following manual count points located within the scheme extents:

Manual count point 30705, located at NGR NS 77240 49300, shows that in 2024, the Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) for all motor vehicles was 58,529 with 8,020 of these being Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Manual count point 10705, located at NGR NS 77444 47780, shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 42,250 with 8,671 of these being HGVs.
Manual count point 80524, located at NGR NS 80000 42140, shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 32,960 with 8,075 of these being HGVs.

Cultural heritage

A desk-based assessment was undertaken using Pastmap online mapping tool. The study area covered a 300m area for designated cultural heritage assets and a 200m area for non-designated cultural heritage assets. There are no designated cultural heritage assets located within 300m.

The presence of unknown archaeological remains within scheme extents is unlikely as original construction of the carriageway would likely have removed any features of archaeological significance.

Full details of non-designated assets can be found in Table 1.

Table 1: Non-Designated Cultural Heritage Assets
Name	Reference Number	Description	Distance from Scheme
Blackwood	45606	Canmore - Chapel (Period Unassigned)	Within the scheme extents
Blackwood, Brick And Tile Works	199383	Canmore - Works (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 120m east of the scheme extents
Blackwood, St John'S R.C. Church	199373	Canmore - Church (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 150m east of the scheme extents
Peebles - Castledykes - Loudoun Hill - Irvine	71578	Canmore - Roman Road (Roman)	Approx. 150m east of the scheme extents
Blackwood, The Lairs	283930	Canmore - No Class	Approx. 170m east of the scheme extents
Cairncockle	45576	Canmore - Earthwork (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 23m west of the scheme extents
Castlehill To Hillhead Connection Road	305658	Canmore - Roman Road (Roman)(Possible)	Approx. 32m west of the scheme extents
Canderside Nos. 6 And 7, Colliery	132070	Canmore - Colliery (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 92m west of the scheme extents
Millburn	180118	Canmore - Farmstead (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 110m east of the scheme extents
Swinhill, Swinhill Road	202389	Canmore - School (Post Medieval)	Approx. 42m west of the scheme extents
Larkhall, Canderside Toll	293901	Canmore - Inorganic Material(S) (Glass)(19th Century) - (20th Century), Inorganic Material (Iron)(19th Century) - (20th Century), Unidentified Pottery(S) (19th Century) - (20th Century)	Approx. 120m west of the scheme extents
Little Shaws	180126	Canmore - Building (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 85m east of the scheme extents
Larkhall, Duke Street	363007	Canmore - No Class (Event) (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 140m west of the scheme extents
Larkhall	348591	Canmore - No Class (Event) (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 160m west of the scheme extents
Merryton	179868	Canmore - Farmstead (Period Unassigned)	Approx. 26m east of the scheme extents

As works are like-for-like structural with no breaking of ground or excavation, there will be no impact on any identified cultural heritage assets. Therefore, cultural heritage has been scoped out of further assessment.

Landscape and visual effects

The immediate scheme extents are bordered by densely populated mature trees and vegetation, with trees becoming sporadic within the middle section of the scheme extents. Where trees are sparse, the bordering agricultural fields can be seen to the north, south, east and west. The scheme extents run adjacent to the towns Larkhall and Blackwood.

According to Scotland’s Environment Web, the following Ancient Woodlands can be found within 500m of the scheme extents:

Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30382), located approximately 272m east of the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30383), located approximately 52m east of the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30398), located approximately 150m east of the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30392), located 410m east of the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30051), located approximately 418m west of the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30055), located approximately 425m west of the scheme extents.
Canderdikehead Plantation Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30058), located adjacent to the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30070), located adjacent to the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30075), located adjacent to the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30085), located adjacent to the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 30093), located adjacent to the scheme extents.
Unnamed Ancient Woodland, (ID: 31619), located 392m north of the scheme extents.

There are no Tree Preservation Areas (TPOs), National Scenic Areas of any Gardens and Designed Landscapes within 500m of the scheme extents.

Scotland’s Historic Land Use Assessment (HLA) Map has highlighted that the land use within the scheme extents has been previously used as ‘Rectilinear Fields and Farms’.

A search on Scotland’s Landscape Character Type (LCT) Map has highlighted that the LCT within the scheme extents consists of ‘201 - Plateau Farmland - Glasgow & Clyde Valley’ characterised by the following:

Extensive, open, flat or gently undulating landform.
Dominance of pastoral farming, but with some mosses surviving.
Limited and declining tree cover.
Visually prominent settlements and activities such as mineral working.
Rural character of the Plateau Farmland has reduced as tree cover has declined and the visual influence of settlements, transport infrastructure and mineral working has increased.

The views of and from the carriageway are mostly of mature trees and vegetation. Where trees are sparse, residential properties and agricultural fields can be seen to the north, south, east and west.

Due to lack of adequate vegetative screening in some areas along the M74, multiple residential properties will have views of the works, for example, those along Donaldson Road in Larkhall. There are also some sporadically placed properties that will have views of the works. No community facilities or visual receptors will have views of the works.

There are multiple Core Paths located within 300m of the scheme extents. Key core paths that are likely to experience views of works include the following:

Core Path HM/2491/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGRs NS 77618 50767.
Core Path HM/2485/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGRs NS 77419 49953.
Core Path HM/2489/1 runs below the scheme extents at NGRs NS 77234 48497.
Core Path CL/3255/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGRs NS 78841 43974.
Core Path CL/5648/1 runs below the scheme extents at NGRs NS 79029 42901.

Biodiversity

A desktop study using NatureScot’s Sitelink, online research tool has highlighted the Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC), (ID: 8224), located within 2km of the scheme extents. This designated site is segmented with one section being located 837m east of the scheme extents and another located 415m west of the scheme extents. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) has been undertaken which has concluded that no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) will occur as a result of the works.

There are no ecological national designations, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), that have connectivity or lie within 200m of the scheme extents.

The following Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and Transport Scotland target species can be found within 500m, but out with the scheme extents as noted by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas:

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica);
Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium);
Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense);
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera); and
Broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius).

Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) has identified Transport Scotland target species including rosebay willowherb and common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) along the verge of the M74, within the scheme extents.

The scheme and the surrounding habitat have been reviewed by a senior ecologist utilising desktop resources. As a result, the need for a field survey was scoped out due to the nature of the works and that all works will be restricted to the existing carriageway boundary.

Geology and soils

Cander Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), (ID: 309), is located along the boundary of the M74 carriageway. This site is designated for raised bog. However no works are anticipated be within the SSSI.

Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC), (ID: 8224), located within 2km of the scheme extents. This designated site is segmented with one section being located 837m east of the scheme extents and another located 415m west of the scheme extents. This site is designated for mixed woodland on base-rich soils associated with rocky slopes.

There are no Geological Conservation Review Sites or any Local Geodiversity Sites within 200m of the scheme extents.

According to Scotland’s Soils Map, the soil within the scheme extents consists of ‘Noncalcarous gleys’. The national scale land capability for agriculture can be classed as ’4.1’. This land is capable of producing a narrow range of crops, primarily grassland with short arable breaks of forage crops and cereal.

A search on Britain’s Geology Map has identified that the geology within the scheme extents along the M74 carriageway consists of the following:

Bedrock Geology

Scottish Lower Coal Measures Formation - Sedimentary rock cycles, coal measure type. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 319 and 318 million years ago during the Carboniferous period.

Superficial Deposits

Till, Devensian - Diamicton. Sedimentary superficial deposit formed between 116 and 11.8 thousand years ago during the Quaternary period.

Material assets and waste

The proposed scheme does not require a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) as the total value is under £350,000.

The materials required for the scheme and waste expected to be produced during the works are outlined below. There is a potential of Tar Bound materials to be present within the scheme extents.

Key Materials Required for Activities

Construction

Materials Required

TS2010 Surface Course;
AC20 Bituminous Binder;
AC32 Bituminous Base;
Fuels and oil;
White Lining; and
Road studs.

Sources

Resurfacing materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.
Materials will comprise mostly of virgin aggregate.
TS2010 Surface Course allows a wider array of aggregate sources to be considered when compared to typical Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA). As a result, the use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources.

Key Waste Produced by Activities

Construction

Waste Produced

Asphalt Planings;
Old Road Studs; and
Potential of Tar Bound materials.

Disposal

Uncontaminated road planings generated as a result of the required works, will be fully recycled in accordance with the criteria stipulated within the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) document ‘Guidance on the Production of Fully Recoverable Asphalt Road Planing.
All waste will be transported by suitable licenced contractor and be accompanied by a correctly completed waste transfer note (WTN).
All special waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and be accompanied by a correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste, the producer and the person the waste is being handed to; the SWCN will be kept for three years, the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained onsite.

Noise and vibration

There are over 150 residential properties located within 300m of the scheme extents, with the closest ones being located approximately 29m east of the carriageway in Blackwood. Other key noise and vibration receptors within 300m include the following:

Larkhall Golf Course is located approximately 40m west of the scheme extents;
The Willows Boarding Kennel & Cattery located approximately 173m west of the scheme extents;
Larkhall – Donaldson Road Play Park is located approximately 186m west of the scheme extents;
The Pet Crematorium Larkhall is located 54m west of the scheme extents;
The Old School Guest House is located 50m west of the scheme extents;
Redstone Hotel is located approximately 238m east of the scheme extents;
Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Community Wing Centre is located 74m east of the scheme extents;
Blackwood Medical Practice is located approximately 217m east of the scheme extents;
Kirkmuirhill Gospel Hall is located approximately 185m east of the scheme extents; and
Larkhall Cemetery is located 241m west of the scheme extents.

Scotland’s Noise Map has highlighted that the noise level, during daytime hours (Lday) within the scheme extents, has been recorded to range between 68dB to 78dB. The noise level during nighttime hours (Lnight) has been recorded to range from approximately 63dB to 74dB, within the scheme extents, along the M74.

Baseline noise and vibration levels are primarily influenced by traffic travelling along the M74. The volume of vehicles is demonstrated by the following manual count points located at different areas within the scheme extents:

Manual count point 30705 shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 58,529 with 8,020 of these being HGVs.
Manual count point 10705 shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 42,250 with 8,671 of these being HGVs.
Manual count point 80524 shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 32,960 with 8,075 of these being HGVs.

The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as highlighted by Transport Scotland’s Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) (2019-2023). However, Donaldson Road, located approximately 31m west of the scheme extents, is within a CNMA.

Population and human health

Due to the like-for-like nature of the works, an area of 300m has been investigated to determine the population and human health baseline.

There are over 150 residential properties located within 300m of the scheme extents, with the closest ones being located approximately 29m east of the carriageway in Blackwood. Other key community receptors within 300m include the following:

Larkhall Golf Course is located approximately 40m west of the scheme extents;
Larkhall Cemetery is located 241m west of the scheme extents;
The Willows Boarding Kennel & Catering located approximately 173m west of the scheme extents;
Larkhall – Donaldson Road Play Park is located approximately 186m west of the scheme extents;
The Pet Crematorium Larkhall is located 54m west of the scheme extents;
The Old School Guest House is located 50m west of the scheme extents;
Redstone Hotel is located approximately 238m east of the scheme extents;
Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Community Wing Centre is located 74m east of the scheme extents;
Blackwood Medical Practice is located approximately 217m east of the scheme extents; and
Kirkmuirhill Gospel Hall is located approximately 185m east of the scheme extents.

There are multiple Core Paths located within 300m of the scheme extents. Key core paths include the following:

Core Path HM/2491/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGR NS 77618 50767;
Core Path HM/2485/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGR NS 77419 49953;
Core Path HM/2489/1 runs below the scheme extents at NGR NS 77234 48497;
Core Path CL/3255/1 runs over the scheme extents at NGR NS 78841 43974; and
Core Path CL/5648/1 runs below the scheme extents at NGR NS 79029 42901.

National Cycle Network Route 74 crosses over the scheme extents at NGR NS 78841 43974. This route connects Gretna and Glasgow following the same transport corridor as the main rail and road routes.

There are no bridleways located within 300m of the scheme extents.

There are no bus stops, streetlights or any access/egress points to properties within the scheme extents.

Road drainage and the water environment

According to SEPA’s Water Classification Hub, Cander Water/White Corse Burn (ID: 10078) is located approximately 170m west of the scheme extents at its closest point. This watercourse has an overall moderate ecological potential.

The following unclassified watercourses are located within 500m of the works area:

Tammy’s Burn flows through the scheme extents at NGR NS 76543 52764;
Skell Gill flows through the scheme extents at NGR NS 77127 51827; and
Birkwood Burn flows through the scheme extents at NGR NS 79886 42215.

There are also multiple tributaries and field drains that surround the scheme extents.

SEPA’s Flood Risk Map has highlighted that there are several areas within the scheme extents that experience a medium to high (0.5-10%) chance of surface water flooding. This flooding is particularly high towards the scheme start.

Groundwater within the scheme extents consists of Glasgow and Motherwell groundwater, (ID: 150677), and East Kilbride groundwater, (ID: 150590), both of which have an overall poor quality.

The works do not fall within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Drainage within the scheme extents consists of gullies, catchpits and filter stones.

Climate

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as amended by the Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.

The proposed carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:

2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 57% lower than baseline.
2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 69% lower than baseline.
2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline
2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.

These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.

Transport Scotland remains committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland, and Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045.

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040.

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the NE NMC network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the NE NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032.

< Previous | Contents | Next >