Anger after Government backs Kilmardinny development
BOMBSHELL confirmation that the controversial Kilmardinny development has the GO-AHEAD brought a storm of protest from across the political divide this week.
Scottish Government Reporter Janet McNair has upheld an appeal by developers against the council's refusal of planning permission for the development of land stretching from Hillfoot in Bearsden to Auchenhowie in Milngavie.
Furious MP Jo Swinson said the Government should NOT have left such an important decision in the hands of a single unelected official and MSP Des McNulty said the decision of the Reporter was an affront to democracy — a victory for the developers and an act of total disregard for the wishes of the community.
Known as the Kilmardinny/Westpark project, developers CALA and Stewart Milne propose 550 houses, commercial and — say the developers — sporting facilities.
But the sporting element involves the demolition of the Allander sports centre and a 10million contribution to a new centre estimated to cost in the region of 17-20million.
Further, the developers have said financially they require the present Allander land for house building and will only be able to release the cash for a new centre — after the houses are sold.
Councillors, however, have vowed the Allander will not be touched until a new sports facility is in place and much hinges on a legal agreement being reached over this stumbling block in the developers' plans.
Jo Swinson said: "As a landowner, the council still has significant influence over what happens on this site, and it is vital that they do everything in their power to prevent the development going ahead as proposed."
In response to the decision, council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "The issue of land ownership is outwith the Reporter's decision and any land swap negotiations remain separate from the planning permission.
"There has been no change in the council's previously stated position that the Allander Leisure centre will remain open until such time as a replacement facility is built and operational."
On our letters page today, Keith Small, chairman of the Kilmardinny Westpark Action Group, urges the council to hold a public meeting at which the community can be involved in future decision making.
Mr Small told the Herald: "It would be hoped given all that is at stake here, discussions on how to respond to the reporter's decision will not be made behind closed doors — this project must be taken forward in the public arena."
Des McNulty agrees and said: "Due to the urgings of virtually the entire electorate, councillors have promised they will not permit the Allander to be demolished and they must stand firm on this issue given the reporter has ridden roughshod over the wishes of the people."
Councillor Duncan Cumming, who presented the motion to council to guarantee the future of the Allander, said: "Now is the time for the council to deliver on its promises."
A CALA spokesperson said: "We are delighted with the Reporter's decision and look forward to entering into discussions with the council to move matters forward."
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Weather for Milngavie
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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Light sleet showers
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