Road safety concerns over huge salvage site near Torrance

Baldernock Community Council is also questioning why Synetiq has been able to take up residence at the premises before planning permission has been granted by East Dunbartonshire Council.

Synetiq recently purchased the land at Balmore Road which covers more than 11 acres. The site had been marketed online for sale at a price tag of £1.2 million.

The firm was previously sited at Gartocharn but wants the Balmore road site to 
become its Scottish HQ.

Local villagers have been up in arms about the application. David Wooton, Chair of Baldernock Community Council told the Herald: “This is possibly going to be one of the largest car dismantling yards in the UK.

“Synetiq have said in their proposal they are looking to store more than 1,500 cars on the site with up to and over 10 car transporters a day going to and from the site.

“We have real road safety concerns. This is down an already busy countryside road with few crossing points for the children getting off and on the school bus twice a day. It is also a popular cyclist route.

“We need as many people in the community as possible to be made aware of this site and the potential of how big it will become.”

In a recent newspaper report, Synetiq said that at the moment it was only using the site to store vehicles. But BCC alleges it has already started operating from the site without permission - including, they say, selling cars by auction on its website.

BCC has also raised environmental concerns as it says the area is prone to flooding.

The council and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are investigating.

Council boss Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive responded: “Concerns have been raised as regards the site on Balmore Road, and council officers are investigating matters in relation to compliance with planning and licensing requirements. If found to be required, action will be taken as appropriate.

“The planning application is still under consideration at present and there is currently no date set for deliberation by the Planning Board.

“Public consultation has taken place in the form of statutory neighbour notification, publication within the weekly list of planning applications and an advert in the Kirkintilloch & Bishopbriggs Herald of 8 July 2020.”

A spokesperson from the Scottish Environmental Agency (SEPA) said: “As part of the planning process SEPA has provided comment to the local authority on the proposed vehicle storage and End of Life Vehicle Re-cycling Centre at Balmore Road in Torrance.

“If planning permission is granted the operator would then be required to apply for a SEPA authorisation before any waste handling activities could begin. SEPA has recently been notified that a number of vehicles are being stored at the Balmore Road site and enquiries are ongoing into the status of these vehicles.”

A spokesperson for the company said that Synetiq “continues to work closely with East Dunbartonshire Council officers to address the concerns that have been raised by the Baldernock Community Council and local residents.”