Local public inquiry demanded into Torrance house building scheme

There have been renewed calls for a public inquiry into greenbelt housing plans to be held locally.
Photograph Jamie Forbes 16.10.14  East Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters 12 Strathkelvin Place  Kirkintilloch.Photograph Jamie Forbes 16.10.14  East Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters 12 Strathkelvin Place  Kirkintilloch.
Photograph Jamie Forbes 16.10.14 East Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters 12 Strathkelvin Place Kirkintilloch.

Earlier this year the Scottish Government ‘called in’ an appeal made by Hallam Land Management after East Dunbartonshire’s Planning Board turned down an application to build 140 homes on greenbelt near Torrance. The date and location of a public hearing or inquiry into the issue are due to be set next month.

Councillors refused the application on December 15 2015 in line with Planning Officers’ recommendations that building the houses on grazing fields at Tower Farm was contrary to the Council’s Local Plan and contrary to Scottish Planning Policy.

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Councillor Billy Hendry, chair of the Planning Board said: “The Board agreed at the meeting on 15 December 2015 that a Planning Inquiry should be held if this issue was appealed. It’s imperative that an inquiry is held locally at a time which suits local residents.

“The Planning Board made the right choice for the right reasons - it took account of planning guidance including representations made by local residents, with concerns about road safety, draining and flooding, and public transport.

“More than 170 local people felt strongly enough to object to the application and they deserve to be considered as part of the decision-making process.”