Concern over homes scheme

The move is one of a rash of looming bids by builders to tack new homes onto long-established communities such as Torrance and Auchenloch.

The builder argues the project will mark the greenbelt edge of Lennoxtown and that its proposed estate, planned for a paddock opposite Rowantree Terrace, will be “compatible” with the homes there.

But resident Lorna Buntain said: “I moved here 15 years ago to get a quieter life, and they want to ruin that. I can’t see how this will be a good thing for the village.”

She added that she wasn’t impressed by the case made by Taylor Wimpey at a recent exhibition in the village where its plans were on display.

She said: “ They said our views would be taken into consideration towards the planning permission that they are seeking.

“But, it seemed to all of us that attended that Taylor Wimpey simply were not interested in our views.”

However, the firm - which is already advertising the development at the site – says it has taken local concerns into account, and has altered its plan to include retaining a local bus stop, adding extra landscaping and trees, and creating a public open space.

Dawn Isaac, assistant strategic land manager for Taylor Wimpey, conceded the land hasn’t been allocated for housing within the council’s proposed Local Development Plan.

But she added: “Our view is that our proposals offer the opportunity to help to meet the housing shortfall that currently exists within the council’s plans.

“Indeed East Dunbartonshire Council will need additional sites to supplement their housing supply in order to make sure that they can meet their requirement to plan for delivering enough homes.”

The firm is to stage another consultation event on Thursday (September 24) in Lennoxtown’s Campsie Memorial Hall, from 3pm to 8pm, and is urging as many people as possible to attend.

It aims to apply for planning permission in principle later this year.