Bearsden planning application - Greer urges appeal to be rejected

Local Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has written to the Scottish Government’s 
planning Reporter, urging them to reject an appeal to 
extend Bearsden Golf Course.

The MSP says the golf club wants to extend its course beyond its current boundaries and sell another portion of land on its current site on for housing.

This is despite a separate application to build housing there recently being rejected
 recently by the council.

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East Dunbartonshire Council also rejected the application in June for extension of the course.

It was turned down on the grounds of encroachment into the “buffer zone” around the Antonine Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as concerns about impact on a 
Local Nature Conservation Site and the alterations to the local Core Path Network.

The golf club has lodged an appeal against the rejection of the extension which will be considered by a Scottish Government planning Reporter.

Developers have the right to appeal against any application which is rejected by councillors.

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A spokesperson for the Greens said: “This is a one-way privilege not extended to communities if developments they oppose are approved by councillors.

“Last year, an amendment to equalise the right of appeal, supported by Ross Greer and the Greens, was voted down following a deal in Parliament between the SNP and the Conservatives.”

Mr Greer, a Bearsden resident and Scottish Green MSP for the West of Scotland, said: “I’m keen to support local residents in their campaign to protect local green spaces and the Antonine Wall, and I hope the Scottish Government Reporter will listen to residents’ concerns and the democratic decision of the council.

“But the fact we’re at this point shows how heavily skewed Scotland’s planning system is in favour of developers, not communities.

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“Elected councillors decided to reject the plans on a 12-6 vote, but instead of going back to the drawing board and coming up with something which addresses residents’ concerns, the developer have gone over the heads of the council and asked an unelected government Reporter to force their plans though.

“I’ve asked the Reporter to listen to the concerns of residents and the basis on which councillors made their decision. If he does, I’m confident he’ll come to a right decision.”

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