DISMAYED locals in Glasgow have called for an investigation to be launched after a controversial bid to develop homes on green belt land was overturned.

Members of Carmunnock Community Council have described plans to erect four detached homes on a “treasured” piece of land as an “erosion” and a “green belt giveaway”. 

More than 100 residents had previously rejected an application submitted by Zoom Developments to build on the space between 48 and 66 Busby Road.

Their objection, was, however, overridden at a Planning Local Review Committee (PLRC) held earlier this month after an appeal was submitted by the developers. 

Glasgow Times:

Derek Scott, who is the group’s treasurer, said: “It is yet another erosion of our green space in Carmunnock and we are devastated over this appeal meeting. 

“It is a treasured area in our community that holds a lot of wildlife and connects to other green areas such as the Cathkin Braes. 

“Until recently, it was even used as a grazing space for a horse.”

Objectors to the bid had aimed to preserve the “only” green land in the heart of the village. Concerns were also raised around risk of flooding and the potential for traffic levels to increase as a result of the development. 

Derek said: “There was a long list of reasons why we rejected these plans but our main concerns were down to the erosion of the natural space.

“The development will require the cutting of trees and hedgerows that are a natural habitat of wildlife – we want to protect biodiversity. 

“The plans themselves are situated close to a busy road and we are concerned it will increase traffic levels and pollution in the area.”

Glasgow Times:

Now, the group warns it will be “forced” to take the matter to court if a probe is not carried out by the local authority as members claim the council’s green belt policy has been snubbed. 

An online Crowdfunder launched by the community to cover legal fee costs has raised more than £2000 in just 24 hours. 

Derek said: “The committee ignored strong advice from officials that the application did not meet any of the exceptions to green belt policy.

“Carmunnock is the last remaining village within the Glasgow City Council boundary and has a green belt to protect it. That is being destroyed with this decision. 

“This decision has ramifications for every green belt in Scotland. It’s a green belt giveaway.”

He added: “The chief executive needs to suspend this decision. If not, we will be forced to take it to court.”

Glasgow Times:

Local representatives have committed to working alongside the residents to preserve the area as they say the bid “flies in the face” of the City Plan. 

Labour councillor, Malcolm Cunning, said: “The decision of the PLRC appears to fly in the face of both planning policy and the City Plan. 

“Having watched the deliberations of the committee, I am at a total loss to understand how they reached the conclusion that they did or what logical justification they might have to defend it.

“Officers had previously rejected the application on eight separate grounds. The committee appears to have wilfully ignored those clear planning grounds for refusal

“The process of appealing a decision of the PLRC is both expensive and, I understand, has to be based on proving that the committee erred in law. 

“That may prove to be a difficult hurdle but the community has my full support in their attempts to overturn this decision.”

Conservative representative, Euan Bockley, added: “This development flies right in the face of the Council Development Plan. I find it remarkable that in the year that this city is Hosting COP26, our green belt is once again being eroded. 

“Carmunnock residents know this too well and I will continue to fight alongside them to protect the village’s green spaces.”

And SNP Cllr, Margaret Morgan, said: “I am disappointed with the decision made and would support the conservation of all green spaces throughout Glasgow to promote a greener city.”

Glasgow Times:

Meanwhile, chairwoman Anne McTaggart and cllr Elaine McDougal argued that the houses would benefit the area and help people climb the property ladder.

Speaking at the PLRC, Cllr McTaggart said: “The application reflects and complements the existing developments along the Busby Road. 

“It is not designated as a site of land importance and it hasn’t been and it is not opening the floodgates as we are only opening a few houses.

“This will be an area for healthy living and open space living which people are desperate for, given the year we have just been through.”

The Glasgow Times approached Zoom Developments for comment.