MSP hits out at council’s decision to sell Auchinairn Primary ground to private developer

The MSP said the Tory/LibDem administration who pushed through the decision has taken no notice of the need to provide good quality social housing in the area.

She said: “The community lost an excellent primary school due to a disgraceful decision in the last council session and that has now been compounded by this baffling decision to sell to a private developer.

“This was the perfect chance to provide much-needed affordable homes in the area which would build on the existing community and could lead to the development of better amenities in the area.

“Instead, this administration chose to sell to a private developer which, aside from abandoning any moral obligation, makes no economic sense. Providing social rented accommodation is a far better deal for the public purse and would generate much-needed income for the council.

“It is a disgrace on so many levels, but fairly typical of this administration who have shown no willingness to improve the quality of life for the people of less affluent areas in East Dunbartonshire.”

In response, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, Thomas Glen, told the Herald: “The Council agreed to progress with the sale of the former Auchinairn Primary School at the meeting of the Council on 20 August.

“As the sale is commercially sensitive it would be inappropriate to comment further, except to emphasise that to meet planning requirements in East Dunbartonshire, 25% of any new privately built housing development must consist of affordable housing.”