Help save the Mains Estate Greenbelt!

Deadline Monday 11^th February 2019

We write to remind you that you still have an opportunity to respond to the council’s two public consultations:

1.      Early Engagement Consultation on Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), and

2.      Transport Options

      https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/consultations/transport-options-report-consultation

The deadline for both consultations is Monday 11th February 2019.  Please remember every adult in your household can respond and we would encourage you to do so.

You can read the existing Local Development Plan at https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP

How can I make my views known?

Send personal written responses by email to the council at development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk  Please entitle one email: Response to Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) Early Engagement and also one to Transport options Report 2018.  Or send your written responses by post to the Land Planning Policy Team, East Dunbartonshire Council, Southbank House, Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1XQ.  Please remember to give your name and address.

Some key points from MERA for you to consider in your response to LDP2 -

·       We would like to retain the protected greenbelt designation for the woodland and productive farmland around the Mains Estate.  This land enhances the quality, character, landscape setting and identity of Milngavie and is also used for recreation.

·       The greenbelt between Milngavie and Bearsden should retain its protection. This land provides an important landscape function protecting the separation between communities and framing the settlements.  It also supports the farming economy of the city region and the local district, as well as providing fresh air and recreational opportunities.

·       Schools and medical facilities are at capacity.

·       Pollution limits are exceeded in Bearsden due to too much traffic.  Road traffic must not increase.

·       New development should be directed to brownfield sites and sites close to railway stations.

·       Please encourage the Council to release land from its own portfolio to build 100% affordable housing, including homes for first time buyers and those downsizing from larger properties.

·       Encourage the Council to consider development of the old St Joseph’s School site as a Health Hub.

·       Craigton Woods – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  It comprises ancient woodland and has several designations including: Local Nature Conservation Site with tree preservation orders, wildlife corridor and historic garden.

·       Land North of Old Mains Farm - We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This land is used for summer grazing; it is an important wildlife corridor together with historic garden and a flood plain, which is susceptible to flooding. 

·       Land North of Chestnut Lane - We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This is an important wildlife corridor and historic area.  It also has the Core Path walkway going through it, which is widely used by the public for recreation to support their health and wellbeing.

·       Land South of Old Mains Farm, South of Chestnut Lane, North of Craigdhu Road and South of Craigdhu Road - We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  The land is used for farming, has tree preservation orders and is an important wildlife corridor.  This landscape has significant wider landscape value.

·       Hunter Road – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This land has tree preservation orders and an important wildlife corridor; there are issues with access, and issues with traffic congestion and parking on Hunter Road.

·       Craigton Road (west of development site 6.5, LDP, 2017) – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This land is used as a golf course and part is susceptible to flooding.

·       Tambowie Farm – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This protected greenbelt site is used for farming and has significant landscape value, with wide open views to Mugdock Woods and the Campsie fells.  Part of this site is susceptible to flooding.

·       Balvie Farm – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This protected greenbelt site is used for farming and has significant landscape value, with wide open views to the Kilpatrick Hills Local Landscape Area, which is recognised as a Regional Scenic Area.

·       Balvie Bank – We would like this land to retain its protected greenbelt status.  This protected greenbelt site has tree preservation orders and is classified as a historic garden.

Some key points from MERA for you to consider in your response to Transport Options –

·       We need a modal shift from road transport to rail.  The railway line from Westerton to Milngavie should be returned to dual track to improve service reliability, efficiency and capacity.

·       The proposed new railway station at the Allander Sports Centre should be built with a generous park-and-ride facility.

·       The traffic congestion at the junction of Hunter Road and Castlemains Road needs to be addressed.

·       MERA has proposed an off-road cycle path from Douglas Academy to the Craigdhu ‘wedge’ on the west side of Hunter Road.

Please copy both of your email responses to Milngavie Community Council communitycouncilmilngavie@gmail.com and request that they also reflect your views to EDC. 

We would also be pleased if you would also like to send MERA a copy of your responses to secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

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