Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA) – 6^th December 2020

SAVE OUR GREENBELT – BACK THE COUNCIL PLAN

Final Consultation on LDP2 – deadline Friday 15^th January 2021

Our greenbelt is still at risk from developers unless you act now!  

If you love our green surroundings, then we we strongly recommend that you respond to the Council’s final consultation on the Local Development Plan (LDP2), using the key points detailed in our full newsletter available at 

http://mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/Newsletter201206.pdf  

Hardcopies of the newsletter will be distributed over the next week.

The Council’s Representation Form is available at
http://mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/RepresentationForm.docx

We have made a short explanatory video, available on Facebook and Twitter 
https://www.facebook.com/MERAMilngavie/posts/2881548372076310

Coverage of the consultation can also be found in the Bearsden and Milngavie Herald
https://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/news/environment/builders-eye-greenbelt-sites-milngavie-and-bearsden-3057962

Thank you

The MERA Committee

Ways to keep in contact with MERA
By email secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk
On Facebook at MERA Milngavie.
On Twitter @MeraMilngavie.

A couple of 'things'.

EDC is going to be undertaking work quite soon to repair/replace the broken drains which run under the path which was built a wee while ago through the Mains Estate Park . The path will be repaired at the same time. This work will get under way once the ground has dried out a bit.

The appeal which was lodged against EDC's decision to refuse planning permission for houses to be built in Craigton Woods has been dismissed by the Reporter.

MERA's committee members hope that you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Poachers' Knowle Pumping Stattion

Residents in the Douglas Muir Drive area who regularly use the Core Path Walk in the woodland may have noticed a smell in the area. A resident investigated this and noticed a discolouration in the local water course. This was reported to SEPA who came out to investigate and it appears that there has been a problem with the Poachers' Knowle pumping station belonging to Scottish Water. This has been reported to Scottish Water and they are dealing with the matter. Any residents who have a problem with their waste or smells should contact Scottish Water immediately. Meanwhile, MERA would recommend that residents do not allow children or dogs to enter the water in this area.

Posted by secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk on 20.10.15

Craigton Woods appeal by Cala

We have just been informed that Cala have submitted an appeal to the Scottish Office on Craigton Woods.

For further details, see
http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=115852

Craigton Woods bat survey

MERA have arranged for an independent bat survey to be carried out in Craigton Woods as it was felt the Cala habitat survey was very inadequate and had not been carried out under proper guidelines.  This new report has confirmed our suspicions and will be submitted to EDC.

Craigton Woods – CALA TP/ED/14/0673

Many of you asked to be kept up to date with Craigton Woods.

The Association would now advise that Cala have submitted a formal planning application. It can be viewed at
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/system_pages/planning_applications/planning_application_search.aspx
and enter TP/ED/14/0673 in the search box.

The proposal comprises the construction of 24 detached houses and 10 affordable homes. The affordable houses take the form of 2 no. cottage flat blocks (8 homes) and 2 semi-detached homes. Associated works include tree felling, new tree and hedge planting, landscaping, roads, paths and drainage (including SUDS proposals).

If you wish to make any representation against this application, you should write or e-mail to the contacts detailed below.  The Association would recommend that you do this, as a matter of urgency, before the end of September as we understand that there is a planning meeting of East Dunbartonshire Council soon, although we have recently discovered that we may have until 9 October 2014.  Please quote TP/ED/14/0673 on all correspondence you send. Otherwise your comments may not be considered.

Contact Details:

Planning
Development and Enterprise
East Dunbartonshire Council
Broomhill Industrial Estate
Kilsyth Road
Kirkintilloch
G66 1QF

Tel: 0141 578 8600
Email: planning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Some residents have asked for information on what they should include in their response and we have detailed below some of the main items to include, along with your own points. We would stress that there is not much time and you should get any comments you wish to make sent off. Your comments should include the following :-

Craigton Wood currently has the following designations in the existing Local Development Plan and I/We would request that these are maintained in the new proposed LDP.  The area is also included in the Local Biodiversity Plan for the area.

The designations are:-

Historic Garden and/or Designed Landscape
Important Wildlife Corridor
Local Nature Conservation Site
Existing Greenbelt
Area of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Ancient Woodland

Overall this area is used and valued by the community and visitors to the area. Any development at all will change this.

Plants in Craigton Woods

A provisional species list of plants in Craigton Woods is now available at
http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/craigtonwoodsplantlist-20140806.pdf

If you can add to this list, please let us know.

Flowers of Craigton Woods

A small selection of the many plant species in Craigton Woods which are missing from the Cala habitat survey.

All photos were taken in Craigton Woods.

Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
With tiny white flowers above leafy whorls, this plant has a hay-like scent which is only apparent when dried. Dried bunches are used both to give a pleasant scent and in cupboards to deter moths. The dried plants can also be used to flavour liquids.
A native perennial which likes shady places and is considered a good indicator of ancient woodland.

Three-nerved sandwort (Moehringia trinervia)
Each leaf has 3 veins. A native annual which is less common in Scotland than in the rest of Great Britain, it likes bare places in old woods and is considered an indicator of ancient woodland.

Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
A native perennial which can grow in a wide variety of habitats, often in large numbers.

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
A native perennial which spreads by runners. In Scotland it is found mainly in the central belt. It has been used in the making of beer and in herbal teas.

See our Flowers of Craigton Woods page for more pictures

Craigton Woods meeting

A meeting was held today by Cala regarding their proposed development of Craigton Woods.

Information about this meeting can be found on the website of the newly formed Craigton Woods Volunteer Group at http://www.craigtonwoods.com/

See also the EDC website

Those attending the meeting had the chance to complete a comments form. If you were unable to attend, or did not take a form and would still like to make comments, this can also be done via the Cala website at
http://www.cala.co.uk/craigtonroad
There is very little information on either the Cala or the EDC website and although information was made available at the meeting, no copies could be taken away. However, there is some information and a copy of the map of the proposed development on the CWVG website at
http://www.craigtonwoods.com/#!bastion/c1dka
The form on the Cala website does not include the questions on the comment form that was available at the meeting, and you may wish to bear these questions in mind when responding. They were as follows:

What are your impressions of the proposed development?
Which elements of the proposal do you like?
Which elements of the proposal would you like to see amended?
Do you think more family and affordable homes are required within the area to meet housing needs?
Do you have any other views on the layout design?
Do you think our consultation with you has been helpful?
Other comments

Please note that any comments must be submitted by 28th May

MERA AGM and newsletter

The MERA AGM will be held on Wednesday 11th June 2014 at 7.30 p.m in Clober Primary School.

It is hoped our local Councillors will be in attendance, together with the local Police. Mr Gorman from Hacking & Paterson also plans to be there.

Topics for discussion will include the Local Development Plan and Craigton Woods.

The MERA spring newsletter (11MB) is now available on the MERA website.

Forthcoming meetings

Wednesday 7th May 2014
Milngavie Community Council will be holding their AGM within the Fraser Centre.  A notice will be placed in the local paper advising of time and in the notice board within the precinct.  This is an opportunity for residents to go along and raise any issues that they would wish the Community Council to address.  Thomas Glen from East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust will be providing an update on the Allander Sports Centre.  Start time will either be 7 or 7.30 p.m.
see also the Milngavie Herald

Wednesday 14th May 2014
Cala have changed the date of their consultation on Craigton Woods from 13th to 14th May 2014 still in the Lesser Hall within Milngavie Town Hall between 12 - 6 p.m.

Friday 16th May 2014
Milngavie Heritage Centre will be holding their AGM in the Centre within Milngavie Town Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Craigton Woods under threat again

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FOR THIS MEETING

This ancient woodland is under serious threat from development again. CALA Homes have submitted a proposal for a residential development of private detached houses over the entire section of Craigton Woods from Hunter Road to the service road for Douglas Academy.

A public exhibition is planned for 14th May 2014 (NOT 13th) from 12-6 p.m. at Milngavie Town Hall, and we would urge everyone to attend if they possibly can. Even if people cannot attend, we would urge them to make comments. Further details will appear in the press, and we will do our best to keep you informed.

Local Development Plan

Local Development Plan – Pre Main Issues Report Housing Land Supply

The following information will be distributed to residents in the form of a flyer.

A representative from the Association recently attended an Engagement Workshop regarding the above.  Work is currently at an advanced stage in researching the Main Issues Report, which will support the preparation of a new Local Development Plan (LDP) for the area.  The LDP will replace the current Local Plan 2 and should be adopted in 2016.  The plan will guide the future use of land, set out proposals for development and, crucially, will provide the framework for considering planning applications.

EDC have identified that there is an unmet need for affordable housing within the area.  The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan and EDC Local Housing Strategy have confirmed that there is a significant shortfall in the level of affordable housing and private housing.  Some people are confused about the term affordable housing; this would previously have been local authority housing.  However these developments tend to be run by housing associations such as Key Housing, Cube Housing etc. EDC build very little properties themselves for subsequent rental. It is unknown whether the housing associations have to provide housing for a certain percentage of local people to rent. The term private housing is self-explanatory.  However it is unclear whether any developer in the private housing sector would be obliged to build first time buyer and smaller private housing.

The Development and Enterprise Policy Team at EDC presented suitable sites which could possibly be used to meet the shortfall of housing.  There were many throughout Milngavie and Bearsden, some very suitable and some not so suitable in the opinions of those present at the workshop, and opinions were varied.  In addition, at the Milngavie presentation EDC officials did not provide details of other areas identified throughout East Dunbartonshire and it was felt this information should have been provided.  MERA understand this was made available to the Bishopbriggs and Lennoxtown workshops.

The sites nearest our Association area are Craigton Woods, the woodland just off Hunter Road going up the hill towards Cauldstream Place, and the fields to the right and left of Chestnut Lane. One of the fields borders properties in Cauldstream Place, Dalnair Place and Dumbrock Road. Slightly further out are Tambowie Farm, Langfaulds fields (this is opposite Windyhill Golf Course), and Clober Golf Course.  There are other sites throughout Milngavie and Bearsden. We have not listed them all but they are available on the EDC website. As far as MERA is aware many of these sites have special designations on them within the current Local Plan 2 e.g. Greenbelt, Heritage Site, Ancient Woodland, Area of Special Interest to Wildlife, Tree Preservation Orders etc.  In order for them to be considered for housing the designation would require to be changed in the new proposed Local Development Plan. A couple of points to note also are the road infrastructure and the forthcoming primary school estate consultation.

Further information can also be found on the EDC website.

The Association appreciates that some residents may wish more information and to log their own views with EDC and their local elected members. Contact details for the local councillors can be found on the EDC website.

To contact MERA, please see the MERA contacts page.

Meeting with the owner about Craigton Woods

A meeting has taken place between the owner of Craigton Woods and local councillors, to discuss its future.

For futher information, see the Milngavie Herald website.

Trees down in Craigton Woods

We have been asked to let residents know that several trees have been blown down in Craigton Woods, and these are hanging over the path.

Anyone using the Core Path through the woods should do so with care, or take an alternative route along Craigton Road.

Craigton Woods response

Although it's now too late to submit comments to East Dunbartonshire Council, more submissions to us could still be useful in any future discussions on the future of Craigton Woods. So please keep them coming via the online form.

We would like to thank all those of you who have already contacted us. The response has been overwhelming!

Craigton Woods bird list

The following species have been seen in the woods:

Blackbird
Bluetit
Chaffinch
Chiff Chaff
Dunnock
Great spotted woodpecker
Jay
Long Tailed Tit
Pheasant
Robin
Rook
Tawny owl (live permanently in woods)
Tree creeper

nearby - Dipper

Please let us know if you spot any further species

Second Craigton Woods flyer

Many residents will have received a second flyer through their door recently. The Residents' Association would like to point out that this most recent flyer is from James Barr, representing the owners of Craigton Woods. This leaflet has not been issued or contributed to by Mains Estate Residents' Association. Residents should note that at the very bottom of this flyer the contact details are those of James Barr Ltd who are acting on behalf of the owners of the wood.

The Residents' Association would like to thank all those who have taken the time to contact us, and also those residents who are writing to the Council regarding the local plan

Craigton Woods in pictures

Craigton Wood contains some very large, mature trees including a Wellingtonia, which can be seen on the left.

Other tree species include Sycamore, Goat Willow, Yew, Scots Pine, Oak, Large-leaved Lime, Beech, Ash, Silver Birch, Larch, Holly, Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Norway Spruce, Elder, Hawthorn, Hazel, and a variety of more ornamental species.

A number of different fern species can be found, particularly in the vicinity of the boundary wall. They include Wall Rue, Lady Fern, Male fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Broad Buckler Fern and Brittle Bladder Fern.

More pictures can be seen in the

Craigton Woods gallery

Craigton Woods potential development

The final draft of the East Dunbartonshire Local Plan 2 is now available for public comment.

It is important that residents realise there has been an approach from the owners of Craigton Woods to change the status of this area from an area of green belt and local conservation site with tree preservation orders and an important wildlife corridor and open space. Should the designation of this area change, this would then allow them to sell the land to developers, which would eventually lead to planning applications being submitted to build housing in this area.

This area is designated as an area of local interest and has an abundance of important trees and wildlife and many residents have indicated that they would like the status of the area maintained.


A map of what could be proposed in the area.

The areas surrounded in red are the areas which the owners of the wood indicated could be developed.

The location of the woods can be viewed on Streetmap

We would ask for your comments and ask that you make your feelings known by 23rd November (note changed date), by writing to:

The Planning Dept.
East Dunbartonshire Council
The Triangle
Kirkintilloch Road
Bishopbriggs
G64 2TR.

The letters must be individual, as a standard letter with a list of names in the form of a petition is only considered as one letter.

E-Mails can also be sent to: planning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Contact can also be made through the interactive website: www.maps.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/edclp

Any other updates regarding our activities and our recent acquisition of funds to upgrade the park can be found on this blog and our website. You can also contact some of the committee by email. See details on the website - http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/

Residents, please complete the form on the flyer you will be receiving from us. The committee have put out this flyer without prejudice and will abide by any majority decision as a result of this consultation. You can also complete the form on the web (but please complete the form on the web or the flyer, not both)

Some facts to bring to your attention are as follows:
In 2003, when a previous proposal was made to develop the woods, Scottish Natural Heritage lodged an objection and revealed that the Craigton Wood was included in the inventory of Ancient and long established semi-natural woodland with a proven cover for at least 250Years. They said that woodland of such antiquity is scarce in the East Dunbartonshire area and forms a distinctive and important feature and as such represents a significant part of our cultural heritage locally.

Generally, the longer woodland has existed on a site the greater its natural heritage value. Look at the map. You can then visualise volume in relation to existing houses. The owners have presented this first draft. However they may be willing to enter discussions to amend this. In addition, there could be planning gain to be had for the area, for example funding for other projects, a community trust for the remaining woodland, etc.

WE NEED YOUR VIEWS ON THIS.
Please let us know them by using the form on the flyer or via the online form.

Any comments will also be noted.