More than 5000 oppose CALA Kilmardinny house build bid
A PETITION bearing more than FIVE THOUSAND signatures in opposition to the present proposals for the development of Kilmardinny has been lodged with East Dunbartonshire Council.
The handover co-incides with the expiry this week of the time allowed by the Scottish Government reporter for the council and the developers to conclude legal agreements.
In April when reporter Janet McNair upheld the CALA/Stewart Milne appeal against the council's refusal of permission, she allowed three months for them to reach agreement over issues such as land sale or transfers, which she subsequently extended to Friday, October 2.
Council leader Rhondda Geekie and chief executive Gerry Cornes accepted the petition from members of the Kilmardinny/Westpark Action Group (KWAG) at the council headquarters in Tom Johnston House, Kirkintilloch, last Thursday.
KWAG chairman Keith Small told the Herald: "We had to stress that we are not against the development of Kilmardinny as was originally presented in the Master Plan, namely for a mixed use of retail developments, 300 houses and accommodation for new fields for West Rugby Club.
"What we do object to is the notion that we should now allow, at the developers' whim, a proposal which departs from the existing Local Plan and seeks to demolish the Allander and withdraw provision for West — in order to accommodate 550 houses.
"We emphasised that what we were demanding was that EDC take every possible measure not to let the Allander go, or sell or transfer any other council assets. We sincerely hope that officials and councillors are as determined as we are to take every possible measure to stop the present proposal going ahead."
As has previously been reported in the Herald, during the recent planning hearing certain councillors suggested Mr Small was speaking for himself, or a small minority, in his stated objection.
Marian Ramsay, of Milngavie, is one of the many readers who have registered their thanks for the efforts of Mr Small and his team.
In a letter to us this week, she states: "KWAG has the moral and practical support of all people in the area against CALA's intentions, whose sole motivation is money, in spite of their calculated viewpoints expressed at the recent hearing."
Ms Ramsay said certain councillors would do well to refrain from adverse comments about the chairman of KWAG who is democratically representing thousands of people of integrity and high ideals.
KWAG represents the following: Baldernock Community Council, Bearsden North Community Council, Bearsden Est Community Council, Milngavie Community Council, Baljaffray Residents' Association, Birch View Owners' Association, Mosshead Residents' Association, Mains Estate Residents' Association, Lower Kilmrdinny Residents' Association, Bearsden and Milngavie Residents' Forum, Fairways Proprietors' Association, Milngavie Civic Trust, Mugdock Association, Allander Indoor Bowling Club and individual residents.
On the negotations deadline, a council spokeswoman said: "The legal agreement associated with this application was discussed by councillors at the council meeting on September 17. Officers were given further instruction on the negotiating position to be adopted and since then there has been dialogue with the developers.
"The reporter will be advised by the deadline of Friday, October 2, of the council's position."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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