Under the Lower Kilmardinny/Westpark project, planning permission is being sought by developers Cala Management Limited for, among other things, 550 homes, a retail development and offices on the stretch of land from Hillfoot in Bearsden to Auchenhowie in Milngavie.

The proposals also call for the demolition of the present Allander Leisure centre and replacement with a new facility at the site of the former Burnbrae bus garage.

Community councils, residents' associations and other groups objected to the proposals over housing density, the impact of increased traffic on already congested roads and the loss of a sporting facility for up to 18 months.

Hundreds of residents packed Bearsden Academy for a public hearing prior to the planning application being heard last October, following which, despite a recommendation by planners to grant the proposal — it was refused by 15 votes to five.

The developers then appealed that decision to the Scottish Government — hence the public inquiry to determine whether the refusal decision should be upheld or overturned.

Keith Small, of Bearsden North Community Council, consultant engineer John Cullen, Norman Peacock, of Milngavie Community Council, and Geoffrey Jarvis, of Baldernock Community Council, will represent many other concerned groups as the Kilmardinny/Westpark Action Group (K-WAG).

Mr Small said: "We are not against some form of development but as it stands we have serious concerns.

"The proposed new sports centre will stand around 50ft high, destroying the visual aspects of the open stretch of land.

"Further it is estimated the cost of the new sports centre will be £17million — the developer is to contribute £10m. Where, in this economic climate, will East Dunbartonshire Council find the remaining £7m?

"We would favour the earlier proposal to upgrade the existing Allander Leisure."

Originally, the proposals for around 300 houses included sports provision earmarked for the new West of Scotland rugby pitches — as the present grounds at Burnbrae are to be developed for housing.

However, the amended proposal for the 550 houses no longer features the playing field provision and a separate application from Cala calls for permission to develop greenbelt land at Auchenhowie for a new home for the rugby club.

The objectors believe a new masterplan must be drawn up which involves the community in meaningful consultation and the K-WAG representatives believe if that is achieved as a result of the public inquiry, the hundreds of hours of work they have devoted to compiling the case in recent months, will have been worthwhile.

K-WAG urges everyone concerned over the present proposals — who can spare the time — to attend the debate over some of the nine day hearing set to commence at Kessington Hall on Tuesday.

K-WAG will present evidence to support the refusal of planning permission on 19 counts, including:

* The application is not in accordance with the Local Plan and does not fulfil the requirement to produce a Masterplan for this site.

* A new planning application should have been submitted in 2006 when the West of Scotland Rugby grounds and the Allander Leisure were proposed to be re-sited.

* The developers have failed to commit to providing a rail halt and the 150 spaces proposed for the park and ride facility is inadequate — 500 spaces would be more realistic.

* The number of houses proposed is excessive and not in accordance with the relevant development plans.

* The application makes little or no provision for affordable housing.

* Traffic conditions are currently unsatisfactory in Bearsden and Milngavie and traffic generated by the proposed development on top of other committed housing developments will produce conditions that are unacceptable.

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