CAMPAIGNERS will plant a “tree of hope” in protest against plans to build homes in Maryhill.

Local politicians have been invited to Living Rent’s “tree of hope” planting on Sunday, which will see activists call for a community buy-out of the land and for any homes built in the Collina Street site - known as the Valley - to be socially-rented.

But the council are adamant that a mix of social housing and homes for sale - under strict limits relating to income and first-time-buyer status - is the best outcome for the long-vacant site.

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Glasgow Times:

We previously reported how Living Rent had raised concerns about the planned use of the site in November.

Nick Durie, an organiser for the tenants’ union, said: “Living Rent tenants are installing a tree of hope at Collina Street to showcase, in our Christmas traditions, the difference this site can make to the ongoing housing crisis if the community’s view is heard.

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“Over the past two weeks, local neighbours have been investigating the development of a community board to pursue a community buy out of the site.

Glasgow Times:

“We are committed to the site being prioritised for public housing, as is the union’s view for all vacant land in Scotland, but most of all land like Collina Street that was once home to much loved public housing.”

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Two of the area’s incumbent representatives, Bob Doris, the SNP MSP and the area’s Labour councillor Jane Morgan have not committed to attending the event.

Glasgow Times:

Ms Morgan said she thought the current plans were the right choice but added: “We need to be careful in the future not to always allocate what may be seen as the best sites to private sector development.”

The Labour candidate who hopes to unseat Mr Doris at next year’s election, Keiran O’Neill plans to attend the event.

Mr Doris said while he would not be able to attend Sunday's event due to family commitments, he had enjoyed a "constructive" meeting with Living Rent on Tuesday. 

He added: "Should this development proceed, which is for low-cost homeownership, then the majority of new homes will remain social rented.

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"I am however pursuing various concerns raised by Living Rent to seek further clarity and assurances on affordability, energy efficiency and protecting against fuelling a buy to let market.

"I am always keen to see more additional social rented homes and I understand that the most likely location for further local investment in the social rented sector will be the area near Shiskine Drive.

"I know from many constituents who have contacted me that they are keen to see areas such as Lyndale, Barrasdale and Kilmun streets secure long awaited investment. This would help complete the wider regeneration of Maryhill."

A spokesman for Glasgow city council said most homes would be for social rent or for “low-cost home-ownership".

Glasgow Times:

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He added: “The homes to be built there can only be bought by those who meet strict criteria (first-time buyer, income threshold, among others) and this gives the choice – for those who prefer to do so to buy a home in this part of Maryhill.

"It will remain the case that affordable, high-quality homes for people already living in Maryhill or wishing to move here are a core feature of this regeneration project.”