"A strong presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt is an established part of green belt policy. Development plans will define the uses that are appropriate in individual green belts. These may include:

Recreational uses that are compatible with an agricultural or natural setting".
(Scottish Planning Policy 21/ paragraph 22)

"Stadium developments are not considered to be appropriate uses in green belts."
(Scottish Planning Policy 11/ paragraph 71) "For many years, the greenbelt in this area has been vociferously defended through the planning process and sympathetic policies and the Committee believes that we cannot lose sight of that very important stance now when dealing with the equally important housing debate."

(East Dunbartonshire Council Press Release January 2008 - Development and Environment Committee}

It is important also to appreciate that no reason has been advanced why the Rugby Club cannot be accommodated within the masterplan site at Kilmardinny. See the Council's case on this.

AUCHENHOWIE LAND GRAB



The Cala/Stewart Milne proposal takes far more green belt land at Kilmardinny than the Local Plan allows, and the number of houses is almost doubled. Although the Local Plan states that West of Scotland Rugby Football Club (West) must be retained within the Kilmardinny/Westpark site, the effect of moving it out (into a very sensitive part of the greenbelt) is to make way for very many extra houses.

A separate application has been lodged to provide new sports grounds for West on green fields off the Auchenhowie Road, beyond Rangers' grounds. While most forms of development are not permitted in the green belt, development for outdoor recreation is an exception. Thus this application amounts to acquiring greenbelt for housing by the back door.

However, while sports pitches are permissible in the green belt, club houses, stadia,flood-lighting, covered training areas and car parks are not appropriate, and the proposal includes all of these. The location of the proposed site is prominent in views across the flood plain from a wide area. Therefore effects on the landscape would be considerable. The attractive rolling countryside would be urbanised.

The Auchenhowie site is within the designated Antonine Wall Amenity Zone. The entire site is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). and encompasses two Important Wildlife Corridors (IWC), one along the Allander, the other along the Pow Burn. Development would result in loss of trees and wildlife habitats.

Latest: October 29th 2009: On September 1st, EDC Planning Board voted 12:8 to grant outline planning permission for this development. The decision was clearly contrary to national guidelines for developments permissible in green belt, and to EDC's Local Plan. Meanwhile, some formalities appear to have delayed actual granting of outline permission.

Floodlighting would affect both landscape and wildlife. The effect would be more dramatic here even than at Rangers, because the site is well outside the urban envelope. Contrary to Local Plan GB 2d, there would be ribbon development of sports grounds stretching east from Milngavie, and the cumulative effect would be substantial.

It is one thing when sports grounds are needed because none is available. But West has had pitches for half a century at a convenient and accessible location within Milngavie. They should not move out - to the detriment of the green belt, historic and natural heritage - just to suit developers.

The fact that West's existing grounds can be accessed easily on foot or by public transport is important because the grounds are used not only for matches and training (including juniors), but also for community events. The proposed site is some distance from Milngavie and from public transport. Development would lead to unnecessary use of unsustainable transport and increased traffic for generations to come. It would also disadvantage those who don't happen to have use of a car.