Council on maiden journey

AFTER months of community campaigning, East Renfrewshire councillors voted against an application to build a mosque at Eastwood High school.
Calderwood Lodge Primary.Calderwood Lodge Primary.
Calderwood Lodge Primary.

The decision was part of East Renfrewshire’s Local Development Plan, which was passed without any amendments yesterday afternoon.

If the decision satisfies the demands of the Scottish government reporter, the Muslim community will now look to a proposed site in Maidenhill, which ERC has zoned as suitable for a religious facility in accordance with its local plan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A council spokeswoman said: “This is in line with what local people have expressed a preference for.

“We will now progress with the proposal to ensure a 
suitable mosque site for the Muslim community of East Renfrewshire.”

A further proposal to build a new denominational school — with a capacity of 2,000 — at a site in South Waterfoot Road was agreed at Wednesday’s meeting.

This proposed joint campus would include Calderwood Lodge — the Jewish primary school which would be relocated to Newton Mearns — and a new Roman Catholic primary school.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

East Renfrewshire council leader Jim Fletcher told The Extra: “The dual campus is very neccessary and it has support of both the Catholic and Jewish communities.

“As a council, it is our responsibility to provide good quality denominational education to those who wish it.”

The plan will also include a range of housing opportunities across East Renfrewshire, with 4,100 houses to be delivered by 2025.

The LDP will go forward to the Scottish Government Reporter for final approval, which is expected later this year.