MSP shocked at '˜Greenbelt Grab'

Mr Golden, who is also the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Deputy Convener of the Parliamentary Environment Committee is concerned over the protection of biodiversity and natural landscape.

He said he was wary of the unknown impact on the local community and argues this is another example where local concerns are being overridden by the SNP centralised mode of government.

He said: “East Dunbartonshire is widely acknowledged as one of the best places to live in the UK, and part of the reason for that is the area’s outstanding natural appeal. Like me, residents will be dismayed at this recommendation from the SNP Government’s Reporter to build on fourteen greenbelt sites, which will raise concerns about harming the character of the area and how we protect our biodiversity and landscape. Ironically, John Swinney was just today saying how local communities should be trusted to make their own decisions, but his words ring hollow as we once again see that local concerns are not valued in an SNP run Scotland.’