Government must act on Milngavie Tesco plans
THE Scottish Government has been asked to CALL IN the Tescco application for a new two-storey superstore in Milngavie — plans for which have been described by opponents as a monstrosity.
Such has been the volume of objection to the demolition of the present store in the basin of the site and a replacement two-storey store to be built by the main road, the date for observations on the appeal has been extended to August 26.
As reported in last week's Herald, MSP Des McNulty was set to write to the planning minister to record his objection to the appeal by Tesco against the recent refusal of planning permission.
However, news that the Scottish Government Reporter has awarded costs against the council over the Kilmardinny planning appeal by CALA has prompted the MSP to go a step further and formally request the Tesco appeal be called in.
In making the request he also outlined his and the community's concerns over the handling of the Kilmardinny appeal and told the Herald: "In upholding the CALA appeal, Reporter Janet McNair took a very technical and procedural approach on the way in which the council handled the application, focusing on the actions of the officials rather than on the wider issues raised by the public.
"Tesco is also mounting a technical appeal against the handling of the application by the council.
"My concern is that history could repeat itself and the fundamental objection that the proposed store is too big and obtrusive to the landscape on the main Woodburn Way, could be lost sight of."
Part of the MSP's letter read: "In that context, and given the earlier experience of the narrowness of the consideration given during the CALA appeal, it would be far preferable for ministers to call in the Tesco application rather than having it dealt with through an appeal mechanism.
"Were Tesco to be successful in overturning the rejection of their application on procedural grounds, their manipulation of the planning system would then allow them to proceed with their development in defiance of the views of the local community."
Tesco say the new store plans further invest in Milngavie and will create 250 new jobs in the area and improve the service, quality and choice on offer.
Opposition group We Like Milngavie have commissioned a report to illustrate the visual impact the proposed store will have on the character of the neighbourhood and its historic buildings.
Spokesman Jane Young said: "Tesco have confirmed that the proposed Milngavie store actually has a larger gross area than the store in Maryhill so it's imperative to demonstrate the full impact that such a store would have on Milngavie."
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Weather for Milngavie
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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