A ROW over a Southside bowling green is continuing after a developer said it will not give up the site and will keep pushing for a residential development - despite continued opposition.
Mount Florida Bowling Club has been closed since it shut in October 2019 after 110 years, due to reduced membership.
Glasgow-based developer NOAH purchased the facility last December, announcing it would put forward new plans for the site, after its first proposal was rejected.
The bowling green's clubhouse has since been boarded up for security reasons.
Meanwhile, the Mount Florida Community Trust has been fighting to retain the green space in its current form, which they say is one of the few left in the area.
At a community council meeting last week NOAH illustrated its “emerging” proposals for the site.
Managing director Paul Winocour told members of the community the company now “own the site and will continue to make proposals until they are approved”.
Nicola Smith, one of the Trust’s directors, said: “It’s been heartbreaking to see this space locked up and barred, especially during lockdowns, and now it feels like they’re holding it hostage.
“There are other places in Glasgow that could be used for residential development that don't take green space away.”
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NOAH had held an online consultation on February 24, where the community was presented with two options, involving the erection of two residential blocks and the retention of the clubhouse and part of the green.
However, the Trust says residents were not given the alternative to retain the whole space, arguing that the consultation would not reflect the community’s true will.
Ms Smith added: “They're only showing interest in the community in an attempt to meet enough of the community consultation requirements in the planning process.”
NOAH’s first application had been turned down by Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee.
A subsequent appeal to the Scottish Government was refused in July 2021, on the grounds that the proposed design would be out of character with its surroundings, the community facility would be lost, and due to insufficient level of community engagement.
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The firm later bought the site from the bowling club and agreed to a financial contribution of £250,000 from to be awarded to a designated community group to refurbish the clubhouse.
The community facility would also be leased to a community group in perpetuity and at a peppercorn rent.
The Trust fears these conditions could later change and is exploring options to acquire the site through the Community Right to Buy and the Scottish Land Fund.
Residents had been vocal in their rejection of the development, with 620 objections to the previous application.
In a petition carried out by the Trust, 1,100 residents said the green space and community hub must be kept for community use.
Ms Smith added: “Mount Florida has shown itself to be an active community, so we hope we can build on that and keep the campaign going.
“They [NOAH] saw the community's will two years ago and could have dropped the purchase, but they pursued it in a quite hostile manner against the will of the community.”
NOAH confirmed they have no intention of selling the site, which they say was purchased for residential development and to support the creation of “substantial community facilities”.
The firm also pointed out that purchasing the site would be a “lengthy and onerous route” for a community group, with little chance of succeeding.
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A spokesperson said: “We have carried out extensive community consultation on our proposals and are currently collating this.
“We believe we have a bold, imaginative vision for the site to be transformed into a bespoke and deliverable community space for all, combined with a limited development of high quality apartments.
“This route has proven a successful formula with other community organisations and is the most deliverable and sustainable option for the Mount Florida community.”
“We do wish to remain accessible to any groups, including the Community Council and the Community Trust, who wish to discuss their potential involvement in helping shape the direction and ultimate plans of the community component with the important security of a £250,000 funding package being offered for its successful implementation.”
“We shall also continue to engage with the community as our proposals further develop towards the submission of a future planning application.”
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