East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan

Pre Main Issues Report Initial Publicity & Engagement - Findings

February 2012

Head of Development & Enterprise William Patrick Library 2nd Floor 2-4 West High Street Kirkintilloch Glasgow G66 1AD East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan, Pre - Main Issues Report Publicity & Engagement Findings

Contents:

Summary of Pre - Main Issues Report, Workshop & Questionnaire Findings.

Appendix 1 Pre - Main Issues Report Scoping Workshop, Held on 12.12.11, Produced by Nick Wright Planning

Appendix 2 List of Questionnaire Respondents

Appendix 3 Pre Main Issues Report Questionnaire, Note of Responses to Individual Questions

Summary of Pre - Main Issues Report, Workshop & Questionnaire Findings.

1.0 This report aims to provide a summary of the key land use planning themes that emerged from the recent ‘pre-Main Issues Report’ workshop & questionnaire exercise, which was undertaken as part of the preparation for the Local Development Plan Main Issues Report.

2.0 Workshop

2.1 A workshop was held on Monday 12 December 2011 in Lenzie Hall. The workshop was a lively event and well attended, with over 70 participants. This included local residents, community councils, planning consultants and developers, the Scottish Government and key agencies (including SEPA, Transport Scotland, SNH, Scottish Water, Historic Scotland and SPT). A lot of useful information came out of the session, with affordable housing, town centres and transport among the key themes. Participants were grouped into tables of approximately 7-8 people and were asked to discuss and consider a number of questions such as:

• What opportunities does East Dunbartonshire's have? • What challenges does the area face? • What are the key land use priorities for the area?

At the end of the session, each table was tasked with creating a 'vision' for a specific area within East Dunbartonshire in 2025 using a variety of drawing tools, props and maps.

2.2 A number of common themes emerged from the various discussions:

• Housing - Access to housing must improve, as at present many younger people and young families are prevented from either staying in the area or moving to it. Difficulties relate to the cost of housing, the need for more affordable housing, and the need for ways to access housing other than conventional mortgages. There was a clear sense that providing more housing – not just for younger people, but also for older people wishing to downsize – would help the situation; but the homes should be of good quality, and new neighbourhoods should be accessible to public transport, green space, jobs and facilities.

• Transport - Discussion focused on the difficulties of getting around East Dunbartonshire (both in terms of public transport services and road infrastructure) as well as congestion on commuting routes in and out of the Council area. Suggested solutions included reducing the demand for commuting by encouraging local small businesses, social enterprises and home working; improved park and ride facilities; better and more responsive local public transport; and better walking and cycling facilities for local journeys.

• Town Centres - Improving the quality of our town centres and developing a greater interest in the built environment was a common concern throughout the groups. Town centres were widely regarded as assets with greater potential as focal points for economic and social activity. In particular it was seen as important that retail trade is retained with East Dunbartonshire, and that leakage is minimised by improving the diversity of town centres and supporting smaller, more independent retail units. There was also a general recognition that town centres must anticipate future shopping and retail trends (e.g. internet shopping) by expanding their role and function.

• Business & Employment - There was a strong focus on “local” employment. Participants wished to see more small businesses and social enterprises within individual towns and villages. There was a frequently expressed aspiration to support new ways of doing business, focusing on local, small-scale, community-based approaches. As with housing, there was an aspiration for more employment within East Dunbartonshire, to reduce out-commuting, create more local economic opportunities and strengthen communities. There was also a focus on making more of the area’s assets – a relatively large affluent retired population, hills and countryside, the canal – as sources of local economic development. It was noted that the area is attractive to live and work in, partly due to its proximity to Glasgow and other markets/ centres of population. The asset of the countryside and hills offer opportunities for recreation, business and green energy production.

2.3 Detailed outcomes from the workshop are included within the report prepared by the external facilitator, Nick Wright Planning, see Appendix 1. This report will form part of the evidence base informing the Main Issues Report.

3.0 Questionnaires

3.1 The purpose of the questionnaire was to provide an opportunity for everyone with an interest in the planning system in East Dunbartonshire to comment on what they regard as the main planning issues which the Council should focus on, for inclusion in the Main Issues Report. The Main Issues Report is due to be published in Autumn 2012.

3.2 Consultation ran for six weeks from Monday 7th November to Friday 19 December 2011. In total, approximately 160 questionnaire responses were received, broken down into the following categories: approximately 130 responses from individuals; 3 from community councils; 2 from key agencies; 18 from developers, consultancies and landowners; and 9 from other local and interest groups. Appendix 2 lists all the individuals & organisations that made comments, along with a reference number. The questions asked in the questionnaire are repeated in Appendix 3, along with a note of the responses given.

3.3 The following themes emerged from the questionnaire responses:

• Town Centres and Retail - There was a strong feeling that a new role other than retailing must be found for our town centres, in order to ensure that they have a future when so much retail trade has moved to out-of- centre locations and the internet. Whilst it should still form an important element of the town centre experience, other uses are required to compliment residual retailing. Leisure, housing, restaurants, cafes and community facilities were all suggested as uses which should be encouraged in order to improve the vitality and viability of our town centres.

¾ The lack of parking emerged as the main land use issue within Bishopbriggs town centre. There was also a feeling that the diversity and quality of shops is generally quite poor, particularly in comparison with Strathkelvin Retail Park. Some respondents also pointed to the need for improvements to the public realm.

¾ Kirkintilloch was widely perceived to be underperforming and in urgent need of improvement. It was generally felt that there is an imbalance in terms of the diversity of uses. Non-retail uses should be encouraged and a more pedestrian friendly streetscape considered. The status of the Town Hall was another common concern, as was the availability of adequate parking.

¾ For Bearsden, the responses were strongly focused on infrastructure constraints and a lack of parking in particular. Parking issues also came through for Milngavie, albeit to a lesser extent. The need to increase the variety of shops and services was seen as the key issue by the majority of respondents in Milngavie. A number of comments also stressed the importance of exploiting Milngavie’s cultural, social and historical assets such as the West Highland Way, Town Hall and art gallery.

• Transport & Infrastructure - Support for developing additional rail stations within East Dunbartonshire was highlighted by respondents in order to promote sustainable travel and satisfy current and forecast demand. Car parking at existing railway stations and surrounding areas, including town centres, was identified as an issue, with Park-&-Ride suggested as a possible intervention. Respondents suggested that improved bus routes and services between Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Bearsden and Milngavie were required in order to encourage sustainable travel within the Council locality. A number of responses highlighted that further investment is required in walking and cycling infrastructure in order to enhance and promote safe active travel. The volume of people travelling between East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow was identified as an issue.

• Housing - The availability of housing emerged as a key concern for the majority of respondents. The need for affordable housing, particularly smaller houses for first time buyers and families, and housing for older people, including both publicly and privately provided retirement flats and sheltered housing came through very strongly. Respondents suggested that public, private and partnership delivery was required to meet unmet need and that a mix of affordable and market housing of all sizes should be built.

In terms of locating new housing, brownfield sites, town centres and windfall sites within urban areas were preferred, although a number of responses stressed the importance of adopting a flexible approach with regard to the greenbelt boundary and well located greenbelt release where necessary. Residents and other stakeholders suggested a range of sites across the area that could be developed (see Appendix 3).

• Employment - Responses largely favoured increased employment locally, while recognising the currently difficult economic situation. Support for businesses and, particularly small businesses, was seen as the key to this. Tourism was, almost without exception, seen as area which could be an asset for the area and which needed greater support. A range of ideas were put forward on how this could be done, including support for existing attractions such as the canal and the West Highland Way, or supporting new green or outdoor tourism.

• Environmental Quality - Responses on the natural environment included both the protection of the green belt and also the need to allow development on urban fringes in the green belt to meet housing needs and enhance its landscape, recreation and biodiversity interest. A total of 19 responses supported the need for greenbelt release, including 9 individuals, 8 developers and 2 other organisations. A total of 30 responses were against greenbelt release, comprising 26 individuals, 2 Community Councils, 1 Residents Group and 1 key agency. It was also suggested that brown field land is developed instead. Other responses touched on the need to promote green networks of open spaces, paths and natural areas in and around the area’s settlements to enhance recreation, biodiversity and landscape setting. It was also suggested that open spaces should be protected and maintained. Other comments included: review the role and extent of the area’s landscape designations, development should protect and conserve sites of nature conservation or geological interest and conserve trees. There were also comments that good public participation & consultation would help protect and improve the quality of the environment.

The following themes were raised about the built environment: the need for good quality design and the type and form of development to fit into its local context; conserve built heritage; and promote energy efficient, sustainable design in new developments.

3.4 Other non-planning issues raised included: offering favourable business rates to independent retailers; increasing police presence on our streets; reducing and managing litter and graffiti; using civic pride as a means of encouraging people to look after their environment; better maintenance of roads & public areas.

3.5 The comments made for each question in the questionnaire have been noted in Appendix 3. Where similar comments were made they have been noted once. The key topics raised will be considered when preparing the Main Issues Report. They will be considered along with national and regional planning policy, guidance from Key Agencies and other Local Development Plan monitoring and research. A range of other non planning issues have also been raised and are identified as such in Appendix 3. Other Council services and Stakeholders have been notified of this report for their information.

Report for East Dunbartonshire Council

Pre- Main Issues Report scoping workshop, held on 12 December 2011

February 2012

nick wright planning www.nickwrightplanning.co.uk 276 Main Road, Elderslie, Johnstone, PA5 9EF Contents

1 Introduction 3

2 Workshop details 4

3 Session A: East Dunbartonshire now 6

4 Session B: global challenges + opportunities 8

5 Session C: local issues + opportunities 11

6 Session D: fast forward to 2025: what could East Dunbartonshire be like? 13

7 Summary 15

Appendices

1 Participants 19 2 Handouts 21 3 Group outputs from Session B 24 4 Group outputs from Session C 31 5 Group outputs from Session D 38

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1 Introduction

This report summarises the outputs of a half-day workshop facilitated by Viv Collie, Julia Frost and Nick Wright on behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council on 12 December 2011.

The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate a range of local stakeholders in the planning system in East Dunbartonshire to come together and scope the issues on which the Council should focus in its Main Issues Report, which is due to be published in autumn 2012. The intentions were to: • Enable a shared understanding of the key issues facing East Dunbartonshire that the LDP should focus on, taking account of the various perspectives of different stakeholders. • Target key stakeholders, the influential people in important organisations who have a grasp of both strategic and local issues – across the Council, other public sector organisations, businesses, the voluntary sector, and also with representation from the different areas that make up East Dunbartonshire.

The workshop was part of a programme of “initial publicity and engagement” undertaken by the Council during November and December 2011, with the aim of understanding the main planning issues facing East Dunbartonshire.

This report is structured as follows: • the workshop details dan participants are described in chapter 2 • the outputs from each of the five workshop sessions are summarised in chapters 3 to 7 • a summary and next steps are contained in chapter 8 • a number of appendices contain more detailed information

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2 Workshop details

Workshop structure The workshop was designed to be as interactive and informal as possible, with a minimum of presentation and a range of varied group activities.

The structure of the workshop was designed to take participants through a structured process. This is shown in the table below. Sessions are referenced A to D for convenience.

12:30pm Lunch 1:00pm Welcome / introduction session A 1:15pm Thinking about East Dunbartonshire discussions in pairs/threes feedback + discussion session B 1:30pm Global challenges + opportunities: introduction impacts on East Dunbartonshire groupwork feedback + discussion session C 2:15pm Local opportunities + challenges: introduction what are they + how do we address them? groupwork feedback + discussion Tea and coffee session D 3:15pm Fast forward to 2025: what could groupwork East Dunbartonshire be like ? sharing + discussion 4:15pm Close

The welcome/ introduction set the context for the workshop, and urged participants to think creatively and long term – forward to 2025, which will be the approximate end date of the Local Development Plan once it is approved (anticipated to be in December 2015).

Session A encouraged participants to share their impressions about the concept of East Dunbartonshire – in many ways an administrative rather than a natural geographical construct. Chapter 3 summarises the outputs of this session. Session B took participants out to a much broader scale, asking them to identify global challenges and issues – social,

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economic and environmental – and how they could impact on East Dunbartonshire in the coming years. Chapter 4 summarises the outputs of this session.

Session C brought the focus back to East Dunbartonshire, and asked groups of participants to identify issues, opportunities, actions and – if possible – key players. The groups were also asked to prioritise the most important issues. Chapter 5 summarises the outputs of this session.

Session D asked participants to fast forward to 2025, and to describe what East Dunbartonshire could be like. They could choose any part of the Council area; and were free to build a model, draw images or plans, use words, or a combination of any of these. Chapter 6 summarises the outputs of this session.

Dialogue and conversation were at the heart of each of these sessions.

Participants A total of 71 participants (including 10 officers from the Council’s Development and Enterprise service) attended the session. They were invited by the Council, and drawn from a range of stakeholder groups: • Community Councils and other community groups • Council officers from various departments • developers, agents and consultants • key public, voluntary and private sector agencies • businesses

A full list of participants is contained in Appendix 1. A quick show of hands indicated around half of the participants were local residents and around a third worked within East Dunbartonshire.

Participants were assigned to one of ten groups, each around a table. Each group contained between 7 and 10 participants from a range of different stakeholder groups, plus one ‘friendly face’ from the Council’s Development and Enterprise service.

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3 Session A: Thinking about East Dunbartonshire

This session was run as a sequence of four questions, which participants were asked to discuss for a few minutes with their immediate neighbours. The questions were: 1 What does “East Dunbartonshire” make you think of? 2 What makes it a good place to live, work or visit? 3 What’s not so good about living, working or visiting here? 4 What one thing would you like to change, or stay the same, to 2025?

The aim was for participants to: • get to know each other • think about East Dunbartonshire as an entity • get into a positive frame of mind, by thinking about assets and strengths • think about long term change

The session followed a brief introduction by the lead facilitator which explained the aims of the workshop, gave basic information about the Main Issues Report, raised the concept of long term change over time, and showed maps of the extent of East Dunbartonshire. Handouts with key facts and figures about East Dunbartonshire and the current Single Outcome Agreement objectives were available on each table throughout this and subsequent sessions (see Appendix 2).

At the end of the sequence of questions, participants were given the opportunity to share with the whole room the “one thing” that they would change (or keep the same) for the future.

The points raised in that discussion are only a summary of the many conversations that took place in the room, but they are nonetheless useful:

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• Transport is too expensive. • Public transport across East Dunbartonshire is difficult (e.g. between Bearsden and Milngavie). • Roads are too busy – we need to reduce car use. How about park and ride? • Stop jobs going outwith East Dunbartonshire – work and live in the area. • Green areas and affordable houses are important. Do we want to lose ground for expensive housing? • Younger people can’t afford to buy housing and stay in the area – housing need. • Smaller class sizes to improve education and building new schools • Stop thinking about towns as just retail centres – they need new roles and distinct identities. • Attractive place to stay – but people go and spend elsewhere (e.g. in Stirling and Glasgow). • Ageing (healthy) population – but this brings its own problems.

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4 Session B: Global issues and opportunities: impacts on East Dunbartonshire

Introduction This session began with a presentation outlining global, national and local economic trends over the last 30 years. Participants also had handouts summarising key statistical trends in East Dunbartonshire (see Appendix 2). The purpose of the presentation and handouts was to give some wider factual context to inform participants’ discussions.

Participants were then asked, in groups, to identify global economic, environmental and social challenges facing East Dunbartonshire, and corresponding opportunities to address those challenges.

The intention was to encourage participants to look at global economic, environmental and social issues, in order to bring a wider perspective to discussions later in the afternoon on local issues, land-use planning and placemaking.

This chapter summarises participants’ main points under each heading (economic, environmental and social). The original comments made by participants are then transcribed in full in a series of matrices.

Economic: summary Creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment were identified as the most important economic challenges.

Economic threats include: • The lack of affordable housing to enable young people to stay in the area – and local jobs to encourage the young to live and work in the Council area • Peripheral location (to Glasgow and to global economic markets)

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• Also supermarkets/big business, the current recession, lack of finance and online trading

Opportunities to address these challenges included: • Much stronger support for small-scale local businesses which serve local ‘niche’ markets – the most common suggestion • More focus on homeworking, local hubs and premises for small enterprises (for example giving town centres a broader role beyond retail / helping provide appropriate community infrastructure to allow this to happen) • Also tapping into the affluence / able elderly population (voluntary capacity) of the area, building on outdoor/heritage tourism (local assets), proximity to Glasgow and climate change opportunities

Environmental: summary Climate change was identified as the big challenge – particularly the impact of flooding and transport-related emissions.

Transport was also identified a challenge for other reasons, including reliance on car and aspirations for better public transport alternatives and infrastructure like park-and-ride. The need to encourage car sharing clubs and green transport technology was also emphasised.

There was a strong aspiration to protect greenspaces, natural habitats and the quality of the countryside; and to make more productive use of the countryside, for example natural flood prevention measures and greater public access and enjoyment.

A smaller number of people identified the built environment as a challenge – improving the quality of town centres and developing more interest in the built environment.

The creation of green industries was encouraged.

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Social: summary More housing for young people/families and elderly people was identified as by far the most important issue. Lower cost, well designed and good quality were seen as important, with good access to green space.

Many people identified the relationship between the lack of these types of housing on the one hand, and stable communities, keeping and attracting people to the area, and having a supply of labour for local businesses. Other participants cited the need for lower cost, good quality housing. Others saw a need to free up the housing market, for example by providing older people with attractive options to downsize, offering more opportunities to access housing beyond owner-occupation, or increasing the land supply.

Many people identified the need to see the ageing population as an asset and not a burden (the view was expressed that elderly people consume less than they bring to this area). Elderly people were regarded as creating the opportunity for a vibrant voluntary sector with associated community benefits / skill sharing, as well as helping to create a sense of area identity.

The need to tackle pockets of deprivation, which are focused on former industrial towns, was the second most commonly cited group of issues. Participants saw the need for a range of economic and social interventions.

The need to improve transport links across East Dunbartonshire and reduce the demand for commuting were also mentioned, together with a number of individual issues.

The detail Participants’ full comments are a rich source of further detail, and are transcribed in the three matrices in Appendix 3.

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5 Session C: Local opportunities and challenges

Introduction This session began with a brief outline of the goals and vision contained in the current East Dunbartonshire Community Plan. Although the Community Plan has a different focus from the Main Issues Report, it is an approved Council document and a relevant starting point for thinking what opportunities and challenges East Dunbartonshire might face in the period to 2025. This information in the presentation was also circulated to participants on a handout as background information (see Appendix 2).

Summary Across all groups, the top priorities were: 1. More good quality affordable housing (in the broadest sense including more creative tenure options) to keep young people in the area, encourage new people and stimulate the local economy 2. Increase the amount of employment – with more help for small businesses, more local jobs (social enterprise as well as private), less out-commuting 3. Improving public transport both within East Dunbartonshire (e.g. between Bearsden and Kirkintilloch) and to other adjacent areas such as Glasgow; reducing congestion; parking and pollution; and increasing walking and cycling 4. Resolve inequalities to help try and create stable communities – specific needs in specific communities with cycles of disadvantage, e.g. jobs, education, health

The top suggestions for dealing with these issues were: 1. Housing: offer more alternatives to mortgages by finding innovative / inventive ways of buying (e.g.

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shared equity), improve quality of new homes and neighbourhoods (e.g. access to greenspace and facilities, well designed and integrated housing) 2. Better public transport, improve transport infrastructure (e.g. park and ride, cycle routes), reduce demand for travel and commuting (e.g. home working, local jobs) 3. Support/enable small businesses / community-based enterprises to create jobs 4. Joined-up early interventions across public and voluntary sector partners to resolve social issues 5. Build on the attractiveness and quality of the area as a place to live (leisure, Campsies, canal, golf) 6. Build on proximity and transport links to Glasgow and other places 7. Develop new business sectors and new ways of doing business – e.g. green energy, tourism/rural businesses, co-operatives/social enterprise

There is a clear need for an enabling and facilitating mindset and genuine partnership working across: • Council departments • local communities and businesses • Scottish Government • other public sector agencies • voluntary sector • transport operators

The detail The groups’ outputs provide a further level of rich detail. To avoid losing that, they are transcribed in Appendix 4.

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6 Session D: What could East Dunbartonshire be like in 2025?

Introduction This was the final group task of the workshop. Groups of participants were invited to pick a place – a neighbourhood, a town centre, a whole town, even the whole Council area. They were then asked to imagine what that place could be like in 2025.

The aim was to put into practice all the thinking that had taken place up to this point. Participants were asked to build on the strengths and assets that they had identified earlier in the workshop, and to think how their chosen place would respond to the challenges and opportunities also identified earlier. Creativity and imagination were encouraged.

Each group had a kit which enabled them to show what their chosen place would be like in 2025 – by building a model, drawing images or plans, writing a description, or a combination of any of these.

To help ensure that each group’s discussions covered as many angles as possible, a set of visual ‘prompt cards’ were placed on each table. Each set of cards covered issues like getting about, housing need, jobs and business, health and well-being, eco, town centres, visitors and tourists, public spaces, and the future. They were used either by the facilitators or group members to bring in additional issues to the discussions.

Participants worked in ten groups. The groups chose a variety of different scales and places. The places they chose were: • Group 1: Kirkintilloch town centre • Group 2: Kirkintilloch • Group 3: Kirkintilloch • Group 4: Lennoxtown • Group 5: Lennoxtown: gateway to the Campsies

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• Group 6: Milngavie and Bearsden • Group 7: Kirkintilloch • Group 8: Kirkintilloch town centre • Group 9: Milngavie town centre • Group 10: Kilmardinny, Bearsden

The detail The groups’ outputs provide a further level of rich detail, which is described in images and words in Appendix 5.

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7 Summary

This final chapter of the report summarises key points from the workshop to inform preparation of the Main Issues Report over the coming months.

Main issues The 71 participants, drawn from a range of backgrounds, identified a number of issues which they considered should be tackled through the Main Issues Report.

Three issues dominated the discussion: 1 HOUSING Access to housing must improve; this is a critical issue for the local economy, as it prevents many younger people and young families in particular from either staying in the area or moving to it. There was strong concern about the difficulty of retaining people in the area. Difficulties relate to the cost of housing, the need for more affordable housing, and the need for ways to access housing other than conventional mortgages. There was a clear sense that providing more housing – not just for younger people, but also for older people wishing to downsize – would help the situation; but the homes should be of good quality, and new neighbourhoods should be accessible to public transport, greenspace, jobs and facilities.

2 TRANSPORT This relates to difficulties of getting around East Dunbartonshire (both public transport services and inadequate road infrastructure) as well as congestion on commuting routes in and out of the Council area. Suggested solutions included reducing the demand for commuting by encouraging local small businesses, social enterprises and homeworking; improved park and ride © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011 facilities; better and more responsive local public

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transport; and better walking and cycling facilities for local journeys.

3 JOBS More local employment was seen as important, both to (a) improve the transport situation and (b) improve opportunities and reduce inequalities for people living in ‘pockets’ of deprivation in former industrial towns. As with housing, there was an aspiration for more employment within East Dunbartonshire, to reduce out- commuting, create more local economic opportunities and strengthen communities. There was a strong focus on “local” employment. Participants wished to see more small businesses and social enterprises within individual towns and villages. There was a frequently expressed aspiration to support new ways of doing business, focusing on local, small- scale, community-based approaches. An enabling and facilitative environment from the public sector was seen as vital to allow the private and social enterprise sectors to make this happen. There was also a focus on making more of the area’s assets – a relatively large affluent retired population, hills and countryside, the canal – as sources of local economic development. The market for eco-tourism was seen as particularly strong – using the quality of the area as a positive marketing tool.

Strengths and assets Participants identified a number of strengths and assets, which are opportunities upon which East Dunbartonshire can build. Those most commonly referred to were: • The potential for more local activity and employment within communities, through more small businesses, social enterprises, community-based activity and home working. • The attractiveness of the area as a place to live, work and visit, due to: · proximity to Glasgow and other markets/centres of population · historical assets such as the canal

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· the countryside and hills, offering opportunities for recreation, business and green energy production • Town centres as assets with greater potential as focal points for economic and social activity. • A relatively affluent population, particularly older people and their particular needs – who should be seen as an asset, not a burden. • Generally good levels of education and economic activity amongst residents.

The role of the Local Development Plan Neither the Local Development Plan nor land-use planning and placemaking can, on their own, successfully resolve the issues identified in this workshop alone.

But the Local Development Plan does have much to contribute if it is taken forward in partnership with other strategies/plans (like the Local Housing, Economic and Transport Strategies), other public agencies (local and national), and the private and voluntary sectors.

The Scottish Government is quite clear that Local Development Plans must be action-oriented, deliverable and realistic. Refining and delivering the ideas that emerged from this workshop will need genuine partnership, as participants noted in the workshop. It needs to involve all sectors (public, private and voluntary) and all levels (from the Scottish Government to local communities). Partners’ common aspiration should be to create truly enabling, facilitating and co-operative mindsets across all these partners, which is again a message which emerged from the workshop.

Ongoing engagement The workshop outputs contained in this report should – when combined with outputs from the other parts of the Council’s pre-Main Issues Report publicity and engagement programme – be useful input to the Council’s Main Issues Report.

The workshop also offers a foundation for ongoing engagement as the Council prepares the Main Issues Report

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during 2012. We suggest that the Council should build on the success of this workshop and other ongoing consultation by: • Continuing to engage with the individuals and groups who were represented at the workshop, initially by offering them an electronic copy of this report, seeking feedback, and explaining how the Council next intends to contact them in connection with the Main Issues Report. • Seeking input to the Main Issues Report from stakeholder groups which inevitably tend to be relatively under- represented at this type of workshop, such as young people, small/medium sized businesses and the voluntary/social enterprise sector.

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Appendix 1 Participants

Robin Aitken Regent Square Residents Association William Anderson Managed Estates Iain Arnott EDC Development and Enterprise Shona Baird EDC Development and Enterprise Andrew Ballantine The Scottish Government, Built Environment Directorate Kathryn Bantoft Managed Estates Gillian Barrie Central Scotland Forest Trust William Brady - Victor Budas Burnbrae Residents Association Ann Burnip - Ross Burnside - Sandra Cairney East Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership Noreen Clark - Ally Corbett Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Gordon Cox - Wilson Daly - Andrew Davidson Transport Scotland John Duff John Duff Planning John Edwards Conservation Group of Tannoch Loch Ltd Lonwen Edwards - Nick Everett Scottish Natural Heritage Ian Ferguson Milngavie Civic Trust Karen Finlayson EDC Housing and Community Services Alan Fitzpatrick Montagu Evans Adele Gallagher Scottish Water Thomas Glen EDC Development and Enterprise Sylvia Gray EDC Climate Change Team Tom Gray Lenzie Community Council Nicola Hall Historic Scotland Nigel Hooper EDC Development and Enterprise Isobel Hunter - Liz Ibbotson Lenzie Community Council Seonaid Leishman Strathclyde Geoconservation Deborah Livingstone JMP Consultants John MacFadden Lenzie Community Council Elizabeth Mackay SPT Lorna MacLean SEPA Douglas Martin Bryce Developments (Douglaston Estate) Maree Matheson - John McArthur - Alan McColm - Margaret McNaughton - Jillian McNicol CALA Homes (West) Ltd Blair Melville Homes for Scotland Morag Milne -

...continued overleaf

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Brian Muir Muir Smith Evans John Paton - Norman Peacock Milngavie Community Council Anne Prescott EDC Environmental Health Ian Roan Regents Square Residents Association David Robb - Gillian Telfer EDC Roads & Neighbourhood Services Alasdair Sharp EDC Environmental Health David Shenton Scottish Wildlife Trust Kenny Simpson EDC Housing and Community Services Keith Small Bearsden North Community Council Ken Sutherland Railfuture Scotland Urszula Szupszynska Historic Scotland Claire Taylor - Margaret Todd - John Warren Warren Consultants Ltd

These participants were split into ten table groups. Each table also had a ‘friendly face’ from the Council’s Development and Enterprise service:

Kevin Argue Laura Dickie Jennifer Horn Alison Hurd Alex Laidler Brian Patterson Heather Raphael Neil Samson Richard Todd Paul Wood

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Appendix 2 Handouts

The handouts on the following two pages were provided to participants to provide background information on East Dunbartonshire for their discussions.

The first handout contains a selection of statistics from the Council’s Single Outcome Agreement and research undertaken for the Council’s forthcoming Economic Development Strategy.

The second handout contains Single Outcome Agreement’s local outcomes; effectively, the Council’s wider agenda for the period 2011 to 2014.

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Appendix 3 Group outputs from session B

Participants’ full comments are a rich source of further detail, and are transcribed in the three matrices which begin overleaf.

The first matrix if for economic issues, the second is for environmental, and the third is for social.

By way of explanation:

• Some phrases appear more often than others (for example ‘climate change’) reflecting how often participants mentioned them. • The transcribed comments have been approximately themed by the facilitation team, with headings in brackets [like this]. These themes are purely as an aid to reading; there is considerable overlap between them. • Most participants related their ‘opportunities’ (the right hand column) to what they cited as ‘threats’ (the left hand column). Each pair of opportunities and threats have therefore been transcribed exactly as they were positioned by participants on the original matrices. Please note that a small number of ‘opportunities’ do not appear to respond directly to the accompanying ‘threat’; this reflects the way that the participants had completed the matrices.

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economic

challenge opportunity [jobs and unemployment] Rising unemployment / maintaining employment Startup incentives to small businesses rates High unemployment in some areas More training, more jobs, more apprenticeships Jobs in area – retail and business in area Farmers markets (niche in smaller quantity goods and variable size goods); smaller shops possibly; some services - cinema, restaurants, cafes, hotels – less of these compared to other areas especially outwith Bearsden); wealthy ageing population – means good opportunity Employment Open space, country environment Jobs Lack of work Increase jobs in tourism Limited range of jobs available Communication links Lack of meaningful and well-paid employment Diversification of opportunities within East Dunbartonshire [global competition] Competition from developing countries / southern and eastern parts of the globe Shift of economic investment to other parts of the Finding new things to do, retaining benefits world Global brands against local companies Supporting local, small scale businesses Europe as a successful economic area, leading to greater job creation and business growth/formation, more productive [location] How to attract people to live and work in the area Maximise more of areas to encourage people to visit and live here East Dunbartonshire is peripheral, and is a small Provide niche areas of employment, liaise better with area imbalanced by employment / residential different authorities situation Glasgow dominates East Dunbartonshire Attract local employment, home working, hub working, using more ICT Get people working nearer their homes Providing space/premises for businesses People not spending their money in East Dunb. Affluent area, high disposable income Local employment: land, initiatives, enterprise, set-up advice More local jobs Small scale businesses [housing] High demand for housing Consider how housing is made available balancing socio-environmental consequences

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 25

Low earners and young not able to afford housing Location and accessibility to Glasgow Lack of affordable private family housing The housing market in the area does not provide sufficient stock for “downsizing” Lack of affordable houses to retain the youth [business sectors/types] Undeveloped tourism sector Tourism (Gateway to Highlands), leisure, industrial heritage (canals, mills, Antonine Wall) Retail and businesses Not enough local high quality business Too much reliance on services Move back to more small-scale manufacturing Countryside / natural environment contributes Campsie Fells as a branded visitor destination with relatively little to economy increased recreation facilities and accommodation Lack of manufacturing industry Lack of small businesses Job creation, create products, create wealth, encourage companies to grow [town centres] Maintaining town centre retail and reducing Develop local attract small retail units / individual leakage farmers markets Out-of-town / decentralisation of shops/services – “sell all shops” Promote local retail, limit power of supermarkets Improve town centres Cheaper rates for local shops Online shopping – damage to retail centres New concept for town centres – community events, community hub [state of the economy] Financing Funding for housebuilding, infrastructure “Oven ready” sites Global recession More jobs / less hours, flexible working patterns, working from home [economic inequality] Economic inequality is very high Support for unemployed – improve skills Tory government – poor get poorer and wealth gets hived away [other] More technology Climate change – not tackling future climate Climate change – tackling it can save money and change will create future costs create jobs Need low cost space, encourage companies to grow

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 26

environmental

challenge opportunity [climate change, pollution + energy] Pollution World standards Climate change Increased woodland planting (native), street trees, bog restoration Energy conservation Publicity to encourage people to use less energy Energy production? Do we want more windfarms? Energy crisis More renewables, using waste Climate change and pollution Climate change Housing design, woodland creation (biomass/biofuel), reduce car travel, energy use/generation Air quality Improve public transport links to other places within East Dunbartonshire

Pollution and CO2 emissions Plant more trees, encourage public transport Climate change Habitat creation and flood alleviation [transport] Global warming – emissions, air quality Clean, safe, affordable, flexible, public transport system: new technology Deteriorating climate affects roads and transport Develop different forms of transport – PARK AND links RIDE, provide more bus routes Transport Rethink and revamp transport system and infrastructure Traffic and its pollution Quality, coverage and frequency of public transport, park and ride Global warming Encourage sustainable transport – walking, cycling, cheaper transport, renewable energy Climate change Climate change Price of oil Improve transport Transport – make community accessible and More park and ride, multi-storey?, walking and cycling affordable [flooding] Changing weather patterns – more flooding SUDS, avoid development on greenfield land and floodplains Flood prevention Ensure no development in flood plain Pollution, climate change Flood defences, avoid flood plains River Kelvin has no natural capacity to cope with Actively encourage re-naturalisation of Kelvin increased flows predicted from climate change floodplain (provided houses are still protected) [natural environment and greenspace] Urban sprawl from Glasgow – greenspace, loss of natural habitat Fragmentation of landscapes – development on Develop on old residential sites, use section 75 money

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 27

wildlife-sensitive places more creatively Natural heritage – improve access to these assets Open space Maintaining green belt/space Geo-tourism, promote canal Building/development on good green habitat Ensure planning protection of green corridors Threat to the greenfield Encourage development on brownfield sites, incentivise developers to build on brownfield sites Resist development that impairs the visual aspect of the countryside, e.g. power lines, wind turbines Green belt threats Health and green living Space for parking Access to the countryside Habitat loss/fragmentation Habitat creation – green networks Find opportunities to meet the demand for new redefine and extend boundaries of the green belt employment and housing without prejudicing the environmental quality of East Dunbartonshire People in more deprived areas have limited Enhance and connect local amenity greenspaces involvement in nature/countryside Develop the resources already in place The Campsies More housing affects green belt [built environment] Quality of built environment in towns Lots of new housing being built – buyers outside of area however, taking advantage of good schools etc Develop more interest in the built environment Canal, Antonine Wall, history, existing buildings Local town centres look unattractive Improve the visual aspect of town centres – pedestrianisation, flowers [other] Waste management – reduction, re-use and recycling could be much better Tory government! (not connected!) local food production – many benefits!

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 28

social challenge opportunity [housing, population] Maintain population levels, address migration of Distinctiveness and limited use of land young people Housing Lack of housing, inadequate housing More affordable housing, with plans being designed in such a way that they are sensitive to local wildlife, recycling, transport links, access to greenspace Ageing population Equity release on homes to allow homes to be adapted for care facilities Lack of more affordable housing for those working/wanting to work in area Maintain quality of housing stock over long term Balanced release of land to supply the demand Encourage younger people to live in the area Quality of life Ageing population Provide amenities for older people Not enough low cost housing Beware increased housing pressure on green areas

Ageing population, capital rich, revenue poor, A greater range of houses, both social and private [NB: unable to downsize this reads as a challenge rather than an opportunity] Ageing population Treat older people as an asset and not burden Homelessness – repossessions and unemployment Bring vacant properties back into use – family breakup Lack of affordable housing More affordable housing Ageing population Quality education Affordable housing Services, facilities Ageing population Age related businesses Provide lower cost housing to the younger New housing policies, lower cost quality houses generation Ageing population Housing affordable, private housing New housing in locations which are easily accessible to the city and to existing facilities Affordable housing Keep young people from moving out of the area Low proportion of young families (and some leave Increase affordable housing, to provide local labour due to housing costs force and local consumer demand Affordable housing Smaller houses Lack of affordable houses, private housing too Increase land supply! expensive Policy is now 25% social/affordable housing Stable communities Mix of housing, affordable housing Older population living longer therefore not the Developments should be mixed, e.g. first time buyers, availability of appropriate housing social rented, key worker units, care housing

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 29

[unemployment, deprivation] Maintain/encourage employment - sustainable Former industrial towns still the most affected by unemployment Lack of work Increase jobs in tourism Divide between rich and poor getting bigger Affordable housing, political change, redistribute wealth, grow your own/allotments etc Dis-integration Provide opportunity to come together, work, live, socialize, play Deprivation Transfer housing to Housing Associations for improvements works Older industrial towns/communities – bring them Mixed new housing and improved educational more quickly into the 21st century facilities Former industrial towns Pockets of deprivation Encourage high tech industries Social/health inequality, disempowerment of Targeted interventions, early years, family support communities Social underclass Release of large houses for families to suit Welfare reforms – more poverty Divergence between rich and poor, lack of local Local employment: land, initiatives, enterprise, setup employment and opportunities for the poor advice Lack of local opportunities, disadvantaged residents Rising unemployment More local jobs [transport] Transport within area is poor, especially to outlying Better marketing as not used very well and not areas like Twechar. Parking in area is not good packaged well, particularly for ageing population. especially in town centre. Transport challenges Better cross links within the Council area Too much commuting Local working by better electronic communications Transport – links, into area Quality shopping, work variety [other] Improve educational standard to encourage High value manufacturing, computing business startup Lack of social responsibility Encourage social responsibility in a developing world Obesity, poor health Create linked/more walking/cycling routes Keeping sense of identity Food co-operatives (successful in part of East Dunbartonshire) Climate change Climate change Tory government

Group 1

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Appendix 4 Group outputs from session C

This appendix contains transcriptions of each groups’ outputs from session C (local opportunities and challenges).

Group 1

This group focused on partnership working as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Facilitate employment Attractive area Education Infrastructure links Affordable housing Proximity to Glasgow, to connections, to niche markets actions key players Enabling policy for development EDC: facilitating mindset, whole of Council not just Willing private capital planning Private industry Scottish Government (facilitating certainty) Councillors Local community (supportive) - informing

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 31

Group 2

This group focused on greenspace / housing as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Affordable housing Better fit with environment Better chance of keeping young people Encouraging people to come in Stimulate local economy Reduce homelessness Improve deprived areas Review section 75 planning gain to maximise affordability of housing and greenspace provision actions key players Local Housing Strategy fit with LDP and Planning greenspace strategy Housing New housing within distance of train stations etc Roads Link with Local Transport Strategy Greenspace Appropriate sites to be made available Registered Social Landlords Different tenure opportunities (mid rent, shared Scottish Government Local Communities equity etc)

Group 3

This group focused on jobs and businesses as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Jobs / businesses Well located Business rates Educated workforce Balanced housing policy Business environment Golf courses / leisure Natural and historic environment (Campsies and canal) Transport links (if improved) actions key players Create better transport and communication links Building trades businesses (apprenticeships) within East Dunbartonshire (Bearsden / EDC Kirkintilloch) Developers Education Local people Improve business education for small businesses Transport Scotland

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 32

Group 4

This group focused on employment and jobs as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Local jobs? Local ownership of small businesses Out-commuting Community co-operatives? Centralisation – strategic plan? Small business incubation facilities Local identity / attractive to investment? Niches: eco-tourism, green economy Quality of area as attractor Build on existing local assets actions key players Target resources at local initiatives EDC – Local Economic Strategy Enable/facilitate EDC / tourism board / Visit Scotland Identify local skills/resources/people Scottish Enterprise?? National focus on local? Assess priorities for scarce resources Local people – volunteers, co-operation Target quality: visitor experience, business environment

continued overleaf...

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 33

Group 5

This group focused on inequalities as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities 15 year life expectancy difference Vibrant voluntary sector and volunteering, e.g. social Outcome for specific communities vary economy and social enterprise considerably, e.g. jobs, education, health Make use of apprentice scheme Cycle of disadvantage Cumbernauld campus Relative poverty Good schools in area Unemployment and young people Health inequalities Transport challenges: costs, routes, times actions key players Addressing housing and regeneration, avoiding EDC – social work, education, etc homelessness Voluntary sector Protection and enhancement and use of physical Private sector environment, e.g. open spaces Health Support for voluntary and independent businesses Leisure Tourism enhancement Other educators Local hubs / shared services, e.g. health, social work and police Early intervention requires community development/asset based approaches and early years support

continued overleaf...

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 34

Group 6

This group focused on transport and movement as the big issues to address.

issues opportunities Congestion Park and ride Lack of parking Increased use of existing public transport Provision of public transport Working from home or closer to home Infrastructure quality Encourage car sharing Walking/cycling routes Use of green transport technology Pollution Car club Radical new bus mode actions key players Identify sites for park and ride SPT Analysis of travel patterns Local champions Discussion with neighbouring authorities Council Identify sites for business/employment Local employers/businesses opportunities Transport Scotland Improve infrastructure Public Development and land/property owners

Group 7

This group focused on unemployment and greenbelt as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Unemployment hotspots “Green” industries – solar Review of greenbelt to find appropriate business/industry locations Community or locally based employment opportunities Training actions key players Successful examples elsewhere Local community Find suitable sites for new sustainable Social economy organisations business/industry development Development industry Business start-up support Communicating ideas

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 35

Group 8

This group focused on access to affordable housing as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Lack of young facilities in area Convince people that investment in affordable housing Cannot afford to purchase houses saves in the longer term – labour force, demand in shops/services Number/lack of jobs for young people Structure Plan says no demand for private housing / Houses that are built are too expensive big demand for affordable housing actions key players Council officers make it a key priority Public/community Adjust targets for quality and affordable housing Council/officers Affordable housing is not just publicly funded – Scottish Government shared equity Private developers/housebuilders Partnership

Group 9

This group focused on creating stable communities as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Lack of mixed housing (cost and type) Developers and local communities working together An improved society actions key players Site specific masterplans Planning department Involving all groups Developers Community groups

continued overleaf...

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 36

Group 10

This group focused on transport as the big issue to address.

issues opportunities Transport relatively poor both in/out and within Park and ride East Dunbartonshire Better use of existing infrastructure ?Primary rail [sic] Improved walking/cycling facilities actions key players

?Subsidies [sic] EDC Use of smaller specialist operators Transport Scotland Develop more segregated cycle routes Transport operators (City Bus, First Glasgow, Scotrail) SPT Scottish Government

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 37

Appendix 5 Group outputs from session D

This appendix contains more details of each group’s ideas of what East Dunbartonshire could look like in 2025: • Group 1: Kirkintilloch town centre • Group 2: Kirkintilloch • Group 3: Kirkintilloch • Group 4: Lennoxtown • Group 5: Lennoxtown: gateway to the Campsies • Group 6: Milngavie and Bearsden • Group 7: Kirkintilloch • Group 8: Kirkintilloch town centre • Group 9: Milngavie town centre • Group 10: Kilmardinny, Bearsden

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 38

Group 1: Kirkintilloch town centre

This group’s aim was to make Kirkintilloch town centre a livelier place.

Their ideas included: • Improving the shopping offer, with more quality shops • Diversifying away from retail, with other uses such as restaurants • Creating a “civic heart” with the town hall as the focus • Better personal security, with increased passive surveillance by providing more “eyes on the street”. • Making Cowgate more pedestrian-friendly and less congested – by widening the pavement, introducing traffic calming and a one way system, and addressing service vehicle issues (e.g. at certain times of day only).

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011 Additional image on next page.

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Group 2: Kirkintilloch This group explored a new role for Kirkintilloch town centre.

The overall purposes were to: • Stress both the historic and the modern town. • Encourage civic pride and town identity. • Create a “home town not a clone town”.

To achieve this, the group’s proposals included: • Pedestrianisation to make the town centre a better place by enabling markets, crafts and entertainments in the newly create public space. • Renovate the town hall and re-open it as a community cinema/arts centre.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 41

Group 3: Kirkintilloch This group looked at various aspects of making Kirkintilloch a better place. Their proposals included: • More affordable housing within and surrounding the town centre, to ease housing issues and reduce travel needs. • Create linked transport hub with better bus services to Bearsden, Twechar and Lenzie (and onward by rail). • Open the town centre up and make it more vibrant – e.g. promote small trades, more affordable units, more restaurants, a cinema/ contemporary arts centre. • Make more of the “canal riviera” with cafes, restaurants and boat trips. • Build on assets – the town centre, the canal/cyclepath/tow path, Antonine Wall and Campsies

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 42

Group 4: Lennoxtown This group chose to focus on Lennoxtown Main Street.

Their proposals included: • improve appearance of shopfronts and pubs • create a drop-in centre to be attractive to service users • more affordable housing • improve bus facilities and transport links within East Dunbartonshire • enhance tourism and use of existing assets at Clachan of Campsie

Additional image on next page.

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December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 44

Group 5: Lennoxtown: gateway to the Campsies This group’s aim was to regenerate Lennoxtown using recreation and tourism, and to promote the town as the ‘Gateway to the Campsies’.

Their proposals included creating a new focal point in the town as a gateway to the hills, which would include: • public space with busker’s stage • café with internet/wifi • Campsies interpretative centre with museum, gift shop etc • bmx bike shop • country crafts • interactive workshop • youth hostel / bunkhouse • hotel • campsite • car parking • graded walks into the hills • signage to the Campsies and the West Highland Way from other places such as Milngavie

Images on next page.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 45

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 46

Group 6: Milngavie and Bearsden This group focused on improving Milngavie and Bearsden by: • introducing park-and-ride and a new station at Kilmardinny • developing a masterplan for Milngavie town centre, using the Allander River as an asset • getting a balance of affordable, social and private housing • identifying vacant sites and properties for housing (acknowledging that it’s difficult to find sites for housing not on the outskirts) • protecting the greenbelt between Bearsden and Milngavie traversed by the A809 Stockiemuir Road and the B8050 Craigdhu Road • managing woodland for community and commercial use (west of the A809 Stockiemuir Road and north of Baljaffray) • creating safe off-road routes for access into Glasgow • in the long term, re-developing the Tarmac quarry near Mains Estate for housing or business

See next page for images.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 47

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011 For details of areas outlined in red, see next page.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 48

All mapping © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 49

Group 7: Kirkintilloch Group 7 was keen to improve Kirkintilloch.

They mapped existing greenspace, canals/rivers and bus routes to identify where development could take place and where people move. They saw the need for an audit of connected greenspaces.

Their proposals included: • diversifying use away from retail in the town centre – including more focus on education, culture, business, start up units, and more pedestrian friendly spaces • new public transport corridors and new housing/industry • connected green corridors based on a variety of greenspaces including river valleys, parks and disused railway lines

See next page for images.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 50

yellow = cycleways red = bus routes blue = waterways green = greenspace

All mapping © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 51

Group 8: Kirkintilloch town centre This group focused on improving Kirkintilloch town centre.

They were concerned that the town centre feels dead. The number of cheap shops (eight charity shops, apparently), lack of variety and choice and look all give the impression of a place in decline. There is also concern about the impact of a new supermarket.

On the positive side, the town has some nice buildings (such as the church and steeple), open spaces, the canal, nature parks and good scenery nearby.

The group believed that, for 2025, the town needs to have: • more vibrancy – to attract more young people in particular, and with attractions such as a cinema, café and night-time activities • fewer charity shops • more small spaces and reduced rents • more speciality and craft enterprises • a theme and a lively feel (i.e. a Unique Selling Point) • better public transport

To make this happen, the group thought that a project is needed to provide a focus. Partnership working will be critical (Council, private sector and community groups), as will funding.

Image on next page.

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Group 9: Milngavie town centre Group 9 focused on developing Milngavie town centre. They suggested: • improving links with the recently extended area with a quality public realm connection • making more use of the natural/built heritage, such as the fish ladder on the river • making more of the town’s identity • relocating the park and ride to a new rail halt near the Allander Sports Centre • creating more mixed cost housing around the sports centre and along towards Hillfoot station • retaining as greenspace the countryside between Bearsden and Milngavie traversed by the A809 Stockiemuir Road and the B8050 Craigdhu Road

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 54

Group 10: Kilmardinny, Bearsden This group aimed to improve Bearsden with proposals adjacent to the railway line between Hillfoot and Milngavie.

Their proposals included: • rail halt near the Allander Sports Centre • improved connection with the A81 • park-and-ride • more mixed housing • a new sports centre • open space

Image on next page.

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 55

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved (100020774). 2011

December 2011 pre MIR workshop report 56

Appendix 2: List of Questionnaire Respondents.

Note - The Respondents are noted alphabetically, Individuals by second name and the remainder by Organisation.

Stakeholder Title First Name Second Name Job Title Organisation Category ID Mr Robin W. Aitken - - Individual 541 Mr Ross Armstrong - - Individual 530 Ms Helen Arnott - - Individual 553 Ms Rose Barr - - Individual 549 Mrs Judith Beastall - - Individual 502 Ms Josie A Beeley - - Individual 515 Ms Susan Blaikie - - Individual 498 Mr William Brady - - Individual 442 Mr Ian Buchanan - - Individual 268 Ms Isobel Buist - - Individual 485 Ms Heather Cacciattolo - - Individual 473 Mr Gregor Campbell - - Individual 475 Mr Douglas Campbell - - Individual 552 Mrs Lola Christie - - Individual 484 Mr Arthur T Cook - - Individual 522 Ms Fiona Cowie - - Individual 459 Mrs Joyce Crawford - - Individual 525 Mrs Anne Crombie - - Individual 535 Ms Catrina Cruickshank - - Individual 548 Mr John Curr - - Individual 539 Ms Christine Curran - - Individual 483 Ms Shauna Cuthbertson - - Individual 493 Mr Archie Dale - - Individual 516 Mr Philip Davies - - Individual 462 Mr James Dempster - - Individual 496 Mr John Desmond - - Individual 505 Mr William Dickson - - Individual 538 Mr John Dickson - - Individual 595 Mr John Dierrex - - Individual 458 Ms Carol Dobbie - - Individual 596 Mr Mark Docherty - - Individual 472 Mr Craig Donnelly - - Individual 242 Mr G Downey - - Individual 567 Mr David Edgar - - Individual 499 Mr Calum Ewart - - Individual 506 Ms Kathryn Farrow - - Individual 488 Ms Eleanor Feechan - - Individual 511 Prof. Hugh Foot - - Individual 551 Ms Lyn Frame - - Individual 477 Mr Duncan Gilchrist - - Individual 526 Ms Elizabeth A Gillespie - - Individual 491 Ms Heather Gordon - - Individual 528 Mr Peter Grant - - Individual 495 Mr Douglas Grant - - Individual 545 Mr Walter Hamill - - Individual 510 Mrs Fiona Hamilton - - Individual 533 Ms Rosie Harrand - - Individual 461 Mr Donald Henderson - - Individual 527 Mr & Mrs Hooper - - Individuals 297 Ms Isobel Hunter - - Individual 321 Ms Anne Hyland - - Individual 521 Mr Stewart Keir - - Individual 500 Mr Scot Kennedy - - Individual 457 Mr Mark Kiehlmann - - Individual 591 Mr Russell Lang - - Individual 501 Ms Jean Law - - Individual 565 Ms Gayle Ledger - - Individual 259 Dr Dorothy Lunt - - Individual 568 Mrs Diana Lynch - - Individual 513 Mrs Anne MacConnacher - - Individual 494 Dr Helen MacKay - - Individual 504 Dr Eric MacKay - - Individual 523 Mr Andrew MacKenzie - - Individual 524 Ms Maree Matheson - - Individual 557 Mr Christopher McClory - - Individual 456 Mr Matt McColl - - Individual 460 Ms Mary McConochie - - Individual 486 Mr Stephen McDougall - - Individual 468 Mr Andrew McEwen - - Individual 540 Ms Jean McGibb - - Individual 547 Ms Elaine McKeown - - Individual 490 Mr John McKinney - - Individual 520 Ms Frances McLinden - - Individual 599 Ms Alexandra McRobbie - - Individual 532 Ms Morag Milne - - Individual 544 Milne Ms Catherine Beveridge - - Individual 559 Mr David Montgomery - - Individual 569 Mr Keith Morley - - Individual 555 Mr David Morrison - - Individual 469 Ms Laura Morrison - - Individual 531 Mr Martin Mulgrew - - Individual 471 Mr Drew Murray - - Individual 492 Mr Neil R. Murray - - Individual 543 Mr John Nicol - - Individual 514 Mr Frank O'Hagan - - Individual 529 Mr David Osborne - - Individual 560 Ms Fiona Paterson - - Individual 465 Mr Jamie Petrie - - Individual 474 Mrs Patricia Pollock - - Individual 600 Mr R Price - - Individual 556 Mrs Carol Primrose - - Individual 236 Mrs Fiona Rae - - Individual 537 Mr John Rae - - Individual 554 Mr Alex Reid - - Individual 455 Mr Derek C. Riddick - - Individual 534 Ms Denise Riley - - Individual 542 Ms Kathryn Robb - - Individual 476 Mr Tom Robertson - - Individual 497 Rosemary Ms A. Robinson - - Individual 536 Ms Diane Roger - - Individual 508 Dr David H Rooney - - Individual 512 Ms Liz Ross - - Individual 503 Ms Elaine C Russell - - Individual 519 Mr Arun Save - - Individual 509 Ms Rosslyn Scott - - Individual 464 Mr Sharp - - Individual 597 Mr K Shields - - Individual 489 Mr David Soutar - - Individual 561 Mr David Steedman - - Individual 487 Mr Jeremy Stewart - - Individual 466 Mrs Rachel Stewart - - Individual 467 Ms Sina Stewart - - Individual 564 Ms Carole Stuart - - Individual 563 Mr Martin Sullivan - - Individual 566 Ms Claire Taylor - - Individual 453 Ms Linda Taylor - - Individual 507 Mrs Majorie Thoms - - Individual 518 Ms Margaret Todd - - Individual 295 Mr Ian Watt - - Individual 562 Mr Alex Weir - - Individual 550 Mr David Whitehall - - Individual 546 Mr H Wightman - - Individual 558 Ms Sandra Williams - - Individual 463 AS Homes Ltd and Mr Gordon MacCallum Bearsden Golf Club Developer 586 Bellway Homes Limited Mr Chris Mitchell Scotland Developer 576 Mr Ged Hainey CALA Homes (West) Ltd Developer 581 Caledonian Property Mr Ian Gallacher Investments Ltd Developer 573 Campsie Community Community Mrs Agnes Dempsey Secretary Council Council 425 East Dunbartonshire Community Health Ms Sandra Cairney Partnership Key Agency 176 East Dunbartonshire Council, Climate Change Ms Sylvia Gray Team EDC Staff 396 Mr Ian Gallacher GVA Grimley Consultancy 186 Mr Chris Mitchell H. Morris and Co. Ltd Developer 575 Industrial and Mr Gordon MacCallum Commercial Holdings Ltd Developer 587 Mr Stuart McGarvie James Barr Consultancy 92 Planning Ms Nikola Miller Consultant Kessington Properties Developer 598 Kirkintilloch Leisure Anonymous Centre Other 470 Planning Lenzie Community Community Mr John MacFadden Convenor Council Council 446 Lenzie Rudgy Football Mr Fraser Morrison Club Other 578 Mains Estate c/o Mr Brian Muir Managed Estates Landowner 583 Messrs Keith and John Ms Ruth Highgate Lawrence Developer 585 Milngavie Heritage Centre Mr John Edwards Group Other 572 Mr Alan Fitzpatrick Montagu Evans Consultancy 104 Planning Mr Graeme Laing Director National Grid Property Ltd Developer 589 Netherton Residents Mr Finlay Dow Association Residents Group 517 Ramblers Association Scotland - Bearsden and Mr Robert Diamond Milnavie Group Other 212 Royal Society for the Ms Yvonne Boles Protection of Birds Other 570 Mr Ged Hainey Ryden Consultancy 205 Operations Mr Arthur Keller Manager Scottish Natural Heritage Key Agency 571 Springfield Properties Ms Annie Russell PLC Developer 582 Ms Ruth White Stewart Farms Developer 588 Mr Scott Graham Stewart Milne Homes Developer 577 Strathclyde Ms Seonaid Leishman Geoconservation Other 209 Ms Carol Gilbert Strathclyde Passenger Key Agency 28 Transport Mr Chris Mitchell Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd Developer 579 Torrance Community Community Mr Brian Quin Council Council 590 Torrance Community Ms Janice Rosie Initiative Other 156 Ms Eve Gilmour Secretary We Like Milngavie Residents Group 574 Wm Morrison Mr Alasdair Morrison Supermarkets Plc Developer 584 Anonymous - Other 478 Anonymous - Other 479 Anonymous - Other 480 Anonymous - Other 481 Anonymous - Other 482

Appendix 3: Pre Main Issues Report Questionnaire, Note of Responses to Individual Questions

Contents: Question Number Content Page

1.1 Vision 2

2.1 Town Centres (1) 10

2.2 Town Centres (2) 12

2.3 Bearsden Town Centre 16

2.3 Bishopbriggs Town Centre 18

2.3 Kirkintilloch Town Centre 20

2.3 Milngavie Town Centre 23

3.1 Transport (1) 26

3.2 Transport (2) 33

4.1 Housing (1) 37

4.2 Housing (2) 41

4.3 Housing (3) 45

5.1 Businesses (1) 51

5.2 Businesses (2) 54

6.1 Tourism 57

7.1 Quality Built and Natural 63 Environments

8.1 Other Issues 69

9.1 Site Specific Ideas and 73 Proposals

Note – The Numbers noted in the Summary of Reponses to the Questionnaire are the reference numbers for individual respondents, see Appendix 1 to the Summary Report

1

Question Ref: Question 1.1, Vision

Question What vision should the new Local Development Plan set for East Dunbartonshire? What would you like East Dunbartonshire to look like in the future?

Summary of Response(s):

Quality Environment

517 Keep the rural village concept. Maintain the rural aspect and open spaces between towns and villages. Restrict housing estates and apply more rigorous conditions to those that are permitted i.e. in keeping with the area. Develop brownfield sites before rural sites.

495 Preserve countryside/ green belt, allow sympathetic developments only, maximise the use of brownfield sites.

508 A good mix of old and new development whilst retaining character.

489 Retain existing character

534, 537, 483 Clean and tidy with no pot holes or litter. Same as now but smarter and tidier.

494 Would like the green belt maintained.

524 Retain its rural nature acting as a buffer, on the outskirts of Glasgow, between the city and the hills.

597 Plans should preserve the village atmosphere of Milngavie Town Centre.

568 Would like to see new building regulated and the greenbelt protected. Towns and villages better kept – some areas unkempt and neglected Valuable buildings and archaeological sites properly protected – they aren’t at present.

209 Strathclyde Geoconservation (formerly Strathclyde RIGS Group) has been working with East Dunbartonshire on its geodiversity since 2006. Geodiversity provides and influences a wide range of ecosystems in East Dunbartonshire, an ecosystem being the living (biodiversity) and non-living (geodiversity) elements of an interdependent system. East Dunbartonshire should continue to maximise this considerable environmental advantage so that in future the area is renowned for the protection and promotion of its significant geodiversity. The emphasis on landscape and heritage will increase the attraction for living and working in the area and provide job opportunities.

571 The Vision for East Dunbartonshire should derive from, and be consistent with, the Spatial

2 Vision of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan, Proposed Plan. We fully support that Spatial Vision, particularly the focus on use of brownfield land and on green infrastructure delivery. Our vision for green infrastructure is that it should support quality of life and the local economy at three different scales: - a better-integrated urban green network providing connectivity for wildlife, for people (active travel) and for landscape character; - better links between the urban green network and the surrounding lowland countryside; - enhancement of the semi-natural qualities of the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills in ways that promote their increased recreational use.

461 Cleaner, more green areas, swing parks etc, sculptures.

465 Retain current boundaries to prevent urban sprawl.

480 Good access to green space in urban areas with a good mix of housing.

Economic Activity

505 To service the needs of the community by promoting responsible local enterprise.

520 Thriving with local employment available.

573 East Dunbartonshire should encourage sustainable economic development through new development being encouraged. Existing retail locations should be supported for new and appropriate development.

104 Set a vision for flexible long term growth for development to 2025 and beyond.

205 The vision of the new LDP should promote a number of key aspects – 1. Economic Prosperity 2. Well balanced provision of employment opportunities. 3. Pragmatic approach to the delivery of economic development 4. Flexible assessment of the greenbelt boundary, with the emphasis on accommodating development 5. Making best use of investment in infrastructure, particularly the very significant road improvements 6. Maximising the locational advantages of land in the vicinity of employment and key transport routes

176 Prioritise economic and social regeneration of deprived communities. Attract business and make the most of local countryside & tourism.

Town Centres and Retail

485 Indoor shopping is comfortable and popular so town centre uses need to complement, but not compete, with these.

544 A child and people friendly town. Improved Main St and shops. Less pubs, restaurants and

3 charity shops.

553 Variety of shops in Kirkintilloch, development of cinema opposite McDonalds.

468 Better layout and choice of shops in town centres.

474 More shops and community centres for younger kids.

476 Plenty of unique shops, away from major retailers. Friendly, welcoming town centres.

442 More shops, a large shopping centre, play park, garden centre, large supermarket, a new bus station for Kirkintilloch, new community centres, cinema, and pedestrian precinct on Main Street Cowgate.

Transport

483, 562 Improved roads, parking & public transport, including additional rail halts & park and ride.

543 Reduce car use as much as possible.

591 East Dunbartonshire should be a community that is healthier, wealthier, more cohesive and an enjoyable to work, rest and play in. This vision can be supported by greater use of the bicycle as a means of sustainable transport, recreation and competitive sport for young and old alike, all of which can offer greater employment opportunities for many members of our community.

212 Well maintained network of walker (and other recreational groups) friendly paths and access routes. Including access for disabled people to the countryside

599 Green, clean & roads in good condition.

Civic pride

502, A busy, vibrant community where people feel responsible for their community and surroundings. Zero tolerance of vandalism and alcohol abuse.

540 Bring some spirit and character back to town

509 Place all of us should be proud of.

595 Would like Bearden to be a small, neighbourly, friendly place, as it once was. Would like Bearsden & Milngavie to run its own affairs.

473 Cleaner, with more community and recreation centres.

4

538 More balanced so that Bearsden/Milngavie doesn’t take second place to Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch.

539 On a par with similar areas in Scotland

453 Address inequalities, especially relating to health. People in Lenzie live longer than those in Hillhead.

Housing

496 Would like Bearsden kept as open as possible, not filling open spaces with housing. For example Annan Drive, Westerton Farm & Gate and Hillfoot to Allander Centre (hundreds of houses).

595 Please stop any further building in the Gartconnell area.

186 East Dunbartonshire should encourage sustainable economic development through new development being encouraged. We would suggest additional land is released for housing development adjacent to the existing settlement boundaries to assist with this.

575, 576 The new Local Development Plan requires taking a pro-active approach in addressing an ongoing need for housing. The LDP should make it a Main Issue to improve the range and choice of housing sites across the Council, and, most notably, to address the significant shortfall of affordable housing.

582 That there is a range and choice of housing available to all market sectors of the Council area.

577 East Dunbartonshire should seek to retain and increase its population and provide a generous supply of appropriate and effective housing sites to meet needs and demands. A generous supply of appropriate and effective housing sites should include both brownfield and greenfield sites and these should be made available to help create sustainable mixed communities in line with National Planning Policy.

579 The new Local Development Plan requires taking a pro-active approach in addressing an ongoing need for housing. The LDP should make it a Main Issue to improve the range and choice of housing sites across the Council, and, most notably, to address the significant shortfall of affordable housing.

581a, 581b Flexible greenbelt boundary. Pragmatic approach to the delivery of housing.

92 More housing, main stream & affordable.

Good Quality Place to live – comments on a range of themes

28 Focus on sustainable communities that provide a variety of employment, education and

5 leisure opportunities and a range of housing types within East Dunbartonshire. Maintain support of local population while reducing the need to travel to access services and promote sustainable travel options.

321, 236 Thriving area, attractive to live and most importantly to work in. High standard of design in built environment & attention to environment & recreational attractions.

484 Green, pleasant place to live in with a mix of private & affordable housing. Attractive town centres, good public transport & parking near shops.

487 Vibrant, clean, well repaired town centres with green spaces.

533 Attractive, sustainable and safe

490 A community for residents.

506 Local services and amenities

542 Keep traditional buildings with modernisation in line with green standards. More family areas, parks, adventure trails.

563, 565 Lively town centres and a strong green belt

545 A safe, commercially successful place to live and raise a family.

493 A family orientated, inclusive area with investment in play parks, clubs for teenagers or disabled people. Attractive shopping areas and well repaired streets/ roads.

546 To create a modern, prosperous and safe community which embraces the heritage of the area, backed by high quality council services.

510 The Plan should update areas; bring in more visitors and businesses to the area.

548 A busy, thriving place in the towns, plenty of independent shops. Great countryside on the doorstep.

549 To maintain an appearance of a well maintained, prosperous and attractive area to live and work in. It is imperative to provide suitable/appropriate opportunities for investment and facilities to attract residents, visitors and investors.

512 Modern in outlook whilst retaining the community spirit and local sense of identity.

550 Housing developments should be environmentally friendly, outdoor sporting facilities should

6 be kept and increased if possible for bowls, tennis, golf, football etc. Better variety of shops.

514 To re-establish identifiable cohesive communities. ED is a fragmented area with which no one associates.

551, 522 An attractive place to live and visit in its own right and not a commuter zone for Glasgow. It should also stimulate the growth of our town centres.

515 Prosperous, active, low in crime with facilities which minimise the need to travel elsewhere.

518 More people working locally. Well integrated cycle paths/lanes. All countryside open aspect views retained. School children walking/cycling to school. Returning to areas of municipality: putting, tennis, winter gardens. Parks should be the best they can be with real gardeners.

503 Efficient. Providing adequate care services – roads, street lighting, refuse collection, schools, public halls and libraries, effective social care.

518 Improve existing facilities – pavements are in poor repair. Litter removal. Improve cycleways esp. through Bearsden. Walkways maintained. Improve parks and green spaces should be preserved.

554 A place to live in that would provide amenities that are required and attract investment from external providers.

499 A reasonable place to live with good quality housing and facilities that stand out from other areas.

499 To promote leisure and cultural facilities to improve residents’ lifestyle.

501 Modern facilities and transport links

525 Revitalise community and develop Kirkintilloch as a social/ retail hub for the area.

559 Lively with a good mix of shops and litter free. Damaged buildings either repaired or demolished.

557 Local retail businesses and trades people, good roads and bus/ train links, police presence.

560 To be the best Council in Scotland with regard to infrastructure, employment and housing.

561 To revitalise the town centres.

567 Residential and leisure with shopping and industry.

7

569 A green and pleasant land where there is a prosperous Kirkintilloch town centre with good parking and good roads.

156 A vision of strong cohesive and active local communities, encouraged by careful placing of housing developments, strong transport links and enhanced community amenities.

590 We live in a small village and would like to remain so. We do not want development of the greenbelt unless for community approved projects. We also want safe and secure communities for our children and grandchildren. We want our families to be able to work nearby if at all possible. We want to be able to appreciate our countryside and wildlife and be able to explore it freely.

259 Currently very backward, off putting and closed to new small businesses and new small developments. I would like East Dunbartonshire to be forward looking, and the `IT` place to live and work.

579, 586, 587 Balance the need to protecting the environment with sustainable growth to provide an attractive location to live. Look beyond the limited 5 year supply of previous Local Plans to a 20 year timescale.

531 Regeneration of areas in need and focus on retaining the green belt & green places.

528 Thriving, rural, people friendly area.

529 An area which: provides a safe and healthy environment, promotes good recreational spaces and activities, has good transport infrastructure, organises effective education provision for all ages, takes care of vulnerable and needy residents.

446 Desirable social, economic and environmental conditions. Strongly protected green belt areas and residential areas.

530 Safe, secure, sustainable & resilient

425 Place nice to live in, retain rural & urban balance, protect green belt.

242 To maintain good standard of living in areas that currently enjoy it and improve those that do not sustainable growth is needed. New housing needs must not be at the expense of the available natural resources.

455 More park areas – areas for children.

396 An area that recognises and embraces the connections between a healthy natural environment, social wellbeing and a strong economy i.e. sustainable.

464

8 Safer, cleaner, greener, community-centred.

552, 295, 581a, 475 An area of thriving & sustained economic activity. Development of affordable and high end housing.

555 A thriving community with a mixture of housing, commerce and leisure facilities, not with an over large Tesco in Milngavie.

479 Clean, better roads, improve Milngavie town centre.

596 Vibrant town centre, busy communities, pleasant area to visit or live in.

511 An enterprising place to live and work with ease of travel to earn outwith the area hence contributing to the ED economy.

527 A desirable place to stay or visit, with facilities/ businesses to meet local needs and attract outside interest. I would like it to retain its own identity outwith Glasgow but with good transport links.

566 Unless improved roads and rail links. No further house building New Allander before new houses

563 Fully redeveloped Allander sports centre with new station and ample parking.

581a, 581b Well balanced communities with choice.

457 Good schooling, safer streets. More incentives for the private sector to create work.

456 More retail & leisure facilities with better commuter routes to other cities.

600 Housing developments must equate to provision of adequate main roads. Open spaces must be preserved.

466, 467 Similar to how it looks now with better roads & use of open space.

297 Minimal housing, more provision for farming and food growing. Build on brownfield not green field sites. Attend to the aging population. Tourism is the future for Milngavie. Buildings should have solar panels & priority for recycling.

9

Question Ref: Question 2.1, Town Centres (1)

Question Do you think the Local Plan 2 provides a sufficient policy framework for the protection and improvement of our four town centres?

Summary of Response(s):

Agree that the existing Local Plan 2 policy provides a sufficient policy framework for the protection and improvement of our four town centres.

489, 539, 508, 545, 510, 512, 498, 554,555, 524, 567, 558, 584, 442, 425, 461,456,463, 471, 473, 474, 476, 28, 321, 484, 528, 551, 442, 459, 456

498 Town centres are important for the community and if they are unattractive residents don’t meet and the community feel is lost.

590 We must adapt or our town centres will wither. If the classic businesses can no longer support stores in our centres then we must find new ways of keeping them open. At the moment times are hard but when the recovery comes we must be ready with plans afoot for taking advantage of this.

480 Yes, but we need to maintain a good variety of shops to prevent people from travelling.

28 Yes, but higher priority should be given to promote active travel solutions and sustainable public transport services through design and modal shift.

No, the existing framework is insufficient

526, 487, 490, 550, 499, 597, 522,600, 297,477,479, 515, 566, 297, 478 Need to enforce policy, too many short term objectives, focus on vision

486, 574 It needs more specifics and is too vague. Policies should promote uses that complement rather than duplicate the prime retail area. The principles of Designing Streets and Designing Places should be incorporated.

527 Does not go far enough, probably down to budget restrictions. The work on attractiveness, vitality and viability has been good but businesses are still not being attracted.

561, 530 No. Vacant premises in town centres and poor access/parking. Drop rent as an incentive for small businesses, open bespoke shops.

569 Probably not. There has to be imaginative solutions, better marketing, innovative rental options. Prosperity and growth are musts.

579, 586

10 Town Centres are suffering, in terms of vitality & viability, due to falling population and spend. This is partly as a result of lack of house building. The area is less competitive for this reason.

446 Insufficiently detailed to meet the requirements of town centres, esp. Kirkintilloch. Need detailed master plans.

478 No, Kirkintilloch and Lenzie are under represented.

Parking

503, 563, 517 Lack of parking major issue – people won’t shop unless they can carry shopping back to cars; no one does a major shop on foot. They are all too congested. Park and rides would improve this.

504 Concerned about the lack of parking in Bearsden and Milngavie which will be exacerbated by housing developments in the area.

Bearsden

492 Better parking in Bearsden to boost local business.

529 Disappointed in delivery of improvements to general facilities. For example car park & shops, park & roads.

Kirkintilloch

502 LDP could ensure diversity of retail outlets in Kirkintilloch e.g. clothing for older women as well as young women.

506 New projects delivered via KI have greatly improved Kirkintilloch.

176 Focus on Kirkintilloch as it is centrally located, adjacent to areas of greatest need. Utilise the link road to attract business development.

Other

543, 531, 236 A tighter control on planning & procedures is very important. Council land and supermarkets are detracting from town centre commerce.

553 Accessibility, variety and job provision, schools and housing are basis for framework.

519 Each town should have a pristine public toilet and access to fresh drinking water – the number 1 for a civilised society. Each area’s park should be kept to the extent of being its showcase for the area – the public should feel proud of it.

573 The policy framework in the Local Plan 2 should be altered to reflect the scale and nature

11 of the respective town centres in East Dunbartonshire.

205 Town centres, including Lenzie, can be supported by additional economic development and prosperity. It is also important to have a balanced provision of sectors, retail and class 4, 5 and 6 uses.

242 Would like investment in town centres. Keep rates low to support local businesses and shops & maintain quality retail opportunities to rival out of town shopping centres.

462 The plan is not widely known to residents.

396 The growth of out-out-centre shopping centres is unsustainable. Although it brings jobs and services to an area, it leads to a loss of small businesses and erosion of community structures. Leads to an increase in car use.

465 Viability is primary goal in current economic climate but also consider it as part of a larger picture, given proximity to Glasgow.

453 Protect old buildings to maintain the character of towns, which hasn’t been done in the past.

Non Planning Comments

549 The economic downturn has had a negative effect on Bearsden due to the closure of shops

599 Greater focus on local business.

Question Ref: Question 2.2, Town Centres (2)

Question The Local Plan 2 aims to safeguard our town centres primarily for retail uses. With the increasing amount of internet shopping and competition from out of centre stores, should we look to a new role for our town centres?

Summary of Response(s):

Yes, a new role should be found for our town centres

508, 494, 547, 549, 514, 524, 561, 522, 530, 442, 465, 471, 297, 479, 488, 584, 446, 574, 205, 479, 533, 485, 498, 476, 511, 551, 521, 517, 477, 586, 587, 581a, 581b, 572, 396, 556

• Leisure and cafes are needed as well as retail. Disappointed that Council closed an independent coffee shop but let a bog standard chain open instead (Costa

12 Coffee in Milngavie) over a planning technicality.

• People are used to shopping in one store or online and this is unlikely to change. Town centres may need to be more community areas, or doctors, dentists, banks, libraries etc.

• Could be more tourist friendly. More art and craft shops, restaurants, leisure facilities.

• It is expensive for retailers. Perhaps encourage more traditional shops like greengrocers, fish shops, bakers etc. Charge lower rates to encourage business.

• Town centres should be multi functional. Increasing the population and adding a broad range of housing will enable higher spend in all towns.

• In addition to retail, Town Centres should make best use of their cultural, social and heritage assets

• Some aspects of sustainability offer opportunities for town centres to diversify e.g. making more of our canals, use of land for community run food growing projects, use local shops to support local arts and crafts, creating greener, more self sufficient lifestyles.

• Should be a meeting place. Should have coffee shops and a library, independent shops and services.

No, the town centre should remain a retail destination

487, 516, 499, 597, 565, 531, 242, 468, 474, 535, 492, 496, 569, 461, 468, 567, 483, 489, 539, 491, 492, 531, 475, 550, 518, 528, 507, 554, 478, 519

• Maintaining retail in centres should remain a priority. Shops have the benefit of letting people see produce/goods. Not everyone uses internet for shopping, particularly older people, so we still need local shops. Shops are also a meeting place.

• Should remain multifaceted with food, non food & services. Especially need quality retailers, and shops selling everyday items. It is important to maintain a village atmosphere and community focal point with places for interaction.

• Go back to keeping it local in place of supermarkets. The shops to be supported by council to enable them to afford running costs. If the proper mix of shops is provided, including restaurants, then residents will not want to travel outwith the area. Also, pedestrianisation should be considered.

• Town centres should still be mainly shopping destinations. This should encourage walking/cycling there for the most part and discourage cars except for longer supermarket shopping. Inclusion of community leisure would be an asset. More trees/green areas would enhance overall aspect.

Diversify the Retail Role of Town Centres

502, 485, 490, 563, 558, 520, 530, 455, 465, 464, 497, 484, 537, 540, 544, 236, 242, 462, 599, 466, 467, 459, 176, 321, 541, 546, 493, 499

• Good, specialist and/or independent retail outlets and small shops are required. Fewer chain stores. Provide a wider range of goods. Without these town centres would become ghost towns. Include markets for local produce and goods not normally bought on the internet, as is done in England.

13 • Include markets for goods not normally bought on the internet, as is done in England. Milngavie has a good centre for a decent size market.

• Encourage independent, quality businesses and retailers, including by reductions in tax and renting vacant units to crafts people at lower rents. Avoid multiples as there are enough of these in the town centres & out of centre stores. Try to encourage small individual retailers who offer competitive prices and offer business rates that would encourage this.

• Town Centre must offer something different from shops in retail park. Restrict number of charity shops.

• Looking at the standard of Kirkintilloch town centre the people have spoken and a new role is needed.

Introduce other uses in town centres to complement retail

490, 495, 501, 529, 456, 462,463, 465, 453, 538, 506, 545, 543, 544, 547, 498, 529, 425, 464, 495, 295,463, 526, 566, 524, 534, 579, 586, 28

• Make it an attractive place to meet, walk, talk, socialise & spend time in, for all ages. More community focussed with facilities, such as libraries and community halls, throughout the day and evening. More landscaping, parks, better transport, car parking & street furniture. Particularly make Kirkintilloch more vibrant in the evenings for young people.

• Suggests places to socialise such as cafes, restaurants, internet cafes, concert halls, cinema, play centres, communal meeting places, youth clubs, leisure & recreational facilities. Encourage family friendly recreation.

• Town centre retail cannot compete as there is quality shopping offer close by in the city centre and in out of town retail parks, like Strathkelvin.

• Should include housing so that the town centres are not dead/no go areas at night.

• Town centres need to be multifunctional. Increasing the population will enable higher spend in all towns if new development is encouraged.

• Encourages a variety of employment and leisure opportunities will reduce the need to travel and support travel by sustainable modes inn addition to encouraging sustainable economic growth.

Building on assets and cultural/historical value

505, 209, 212, 176, 297

• Look at the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each location. E.g. Milngavie well positioned with the WHW. A more joined up approach is needed.

• Open spaces should be retained in towns for activities and for displaying information the countryside. For example local walking guides, geodiversity trails. This would help bring the countryside into the towns.

• Milngavie town centre is the start of the West Highland Way. Initiatives such as ‘Walkers Welcome’ should be encouraged and progressed. In addition there is the potential to create other walking, (and related activities) routes to enhance the day tourist as well as longer stays to the area. Retail opportunities should flow from attracting visitors.

• Make more of historical importance and improve access to environmental leisure

14 facilities – canals, cycling & walking.

• Tourism is the way forward for Milngavie, its approaches and the River Allander should be improved. Tourism is also important for Milton of Campsie & Lennoxtown.

Retaining Local Trade

496, 590, 599, 573, 560

• East Dunbartonshire Council does not have any say in the development of out-of- centre stores in other local authorities, for example Braehead.

• Businesses are not going to do us any favours unless it suits them. The shops will have to specialise. Keeping local shops and businesses is vital. Without them we have to go to the expense and inconvenience of travelling further afield. Park and ride facilities and perhaps subsidised buses to encourage us to shop locally. Making our centres car free would be a worthwhile consideration.

• The Local Plan 2 does not fully address the requirement to consider commercial centres as preferable locations for new retail development. Strathkelvin Retail Park is a key part of the network of centres in East Dunbartonshire and should be recognised as such. In our view a new policy promoting Strathkelvin Retail Park as a location for all types of retailing should be included as part of the sequential approach to new retail development.

• New retail development should be directed to town centres in the first instance, followed by edge-of-centre locations and then commercial centres, i.e. Strathkelvin Retail Park. It is inappropriate to continue to refer to Strathkelvin as bulky goods retailing location only, given the majority of the park now trades as non-bulky floor space.

• Competition from Strathkelvin Retail Park is affecting town centres. Perhaps a community centre could be established.

Parking

515, 600, 527

• Town Centres need to be supported car parking, including free short term with charges only for long term (>2-3 hours). This is essential to safeguard shopping centres.

• Utilise what happened at Bishopbriggs Retail Park which was in decline until the Marks and Spencers Outlet opened and has now attracted other major outlets. Pedestrianise the Cowgate, Kirkintilloch and increase parking.

Other

485 People do not like walking outside to shop.

591 The town centres need to support the needs of the community and a consultation for the needs of the Bishopbriggs community has not been conducted to date.

464 Financial inducements for smaller retailers.

242

15 Locally sourced and sold products are an attractive option.

Question Ref: Question 2.3 - Bearsden Town Centre

Question Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding the future of specific East Dunbartonshire town centres and how can the Local Development Plan improve them?

Summary of Response(s):

Parking, Roads, Transport

483, 484, 536, 538, 491, 492, 499, 595, 596, 563, 567, 528, 529,600, 297, 478, 477, 551, 555, 561 Improve parking as current arrangements are inadequate. Improve parking at the Cross by redesigning parking bays. Poor parking facilities results in residents going further afield, e.g. Clydebank shopping centre. Parking charges, particularly to curb long term parking in centre. Improve parking for railway station.

504, 596 Improve congestion by building a multi storey car park in the glebe. It would not be seen by anyone. Car park on Roman Road should be short term parking.

515, 464, 477, 566 Improve accessibility & frequency of public transport. A taxi rank would be helpful for shoppers to return home. Bus services in Bearsden are poor. Increase parking for park and ride. Multi-storey at Bearsden and Westerton perhaps.

Pedestrianisation

466, 467 Pedestrianise New Kirk Road, Bearsden.

565, 461 More pedestrianised.

Public Realm & Appearance

503 Last modernisation was disastrous both visually and practically. Out of keeping, hazardous and requires ongoing maintenance.

507 A uniform colour and style for shop fronts should be adopted e.g. Trongate in Glasgow. (applicable for all town centres)

501, 529, 600, 548 Continued improvement of public spaces, including landscaping and improvements to play areas. Remove useless signs & empty poles.

494, 528, 546

16 More facilities. Amenities have been lost with the sale of the North Church. Exploit gems such as the Roman bath house.

Retail & Other Roles

536, 488, 528, 242, 480 Improve selection of shops (no hardware, toy shops or cleaners). More evening entertainment & more for young people.

543 A clear idea of what is to happen to the old Bearsden Cross Church is important.

494 There are too many pubs in the town centre and shops should be retained.

595 No more charity shops.

297 Cottage style business should be encouraged.

Other

496 Would not like to see Bearsden town centre changed.

556 Better air quality

526 Less emphasis on this area as it is a satellite to the hub of Kirkintilloch. Encourage local communities towards Kirkintilloch rather than Glasgow city centre.

528, Encourage local community groups.

586 Release additional housing sites to increase retail spend.

297 The Council withdrew staff from the area which has affected the local economy.

529 No telephone masts in built up areas.

Non-Planning Issues

534, 529, 462,600 Fix roads, including pot holes.

600 Clear up litter & leaves.

530 Reduce rents to maximise tenancy.

484 Introduce a farmers market.

17 547 More litter bins and signs directing to shops.

599 Better shop opening hours.

549 LDP must look at infrastructure issues including road improvement and gritting.

Question Ref: Question 2.3 Bishopbriggs Town Centre

Question Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding the future of specific East Dunbartonshire town centres and how can the Local Development Plan improve them?

Summary of Response(s):

Roads

517 Too congested, a plan to relieve this would be helpful.

456 Better layout.

Parking

508, 550, 566, 455, 599,468 More / good parking. Parking a big problem which needs addressing, long stay especially. Park & ride to encourage use of local shops.

511 Long term parking to allow travel to the city for work

236 Provide parking for the train station

Transport

464 Improve accessibility & frequency of public transport.

Retail

534 Put off shopping there by traffic and poor mix/quality of shops. Strathkelvin Retail Park much better than ‘town centre’.

542, 498, 523, 456, 485, 510. 455, 512, 560 Lacking in quality retail outlets. More restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafes & social activities needed as well.

18 559 Concern at potential Morrison’s expansion

584 Morrison’s aim to development HMU 1(13) resulting in an exciting new modern retail facility that will act as a catalyst for further investment.

573 Bishopbriggs is a successful town centre commensurate to the scale of the settlement and its proximity to Glasgow City Centre, etc. The centre works well as part of the Network of Centres in East Dunbartonshire when considered alongside Strathkelvin Retail Park which provides a different offer than the town centre.

463 Support small local businesses not supermarkets. Old academy site is suitable for housing; it should not include a supermarket.

Public Realm & Appearance

508, 546, 522, 457 Update Bishopbriggs Cross without losing character.

512 A local town square or plaza with seating would be an asset.

560 Could be better designed to incorporate more square footage.

591 Bishopbriggs should consider becoming a pedestrian zone, like Milngavie, Kirkcaldy, Buchanan Street in Glasgow, New York’s Times square, and other visionary town centres, once the relief road has been completed.

561 Town centre needs a new focus

Park & Open Space

519, 456 Make the park an area to be proud of and love. Use knowledgeable gardeners and have the area inspirational. Glass houses and good lighting would enhance the whole centre and cause it to be better attended. Bike parking for various location and integrated bike paths.

Other

579 Release additional housing sites to increase retail spend.

511 Encourage children’s and community activities, internet cafes.

526 Less emphasis on this area as it is a satellite to the hub of Kirkintilloch. Encourage local communities towards Kirkintilloch rather than Glasgow city centre.

176 Welcome opportunity to create a town hub to improve access to a range of services for residents, accommodated together.

19 297 It is well provided for.

Non-Planning Issues

498 Maintain public park, which attracts visitors

530 Reduce rents to maximise tenancy.

490 It also needs fewer billboards and more landscaping.

490 Kirkintilloch Road, the main thoroughfare, is a traffic rat run and needs traffic calming.

Question Ref: Question 2.3 Kirkintilloch Town Centre

Question Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding the future of specific East Dunbartonshire town centres and how can the Local Development Plan improve them?

Summary of Response(s):

Parking

535, 561, 557, 531, 425, 527, 446, 442 Better or more free parking and pedestrian areas

569 Attract more shoppers with good roads and parking. If charges are introduced it’ll kill the centres.

465 Too few shops to warrant the cost of fees for parking. Parking fees would not benefit retail or visitors/ staff at Lairdsland Primary School.

Transport

541 Traffic free town centre, green areas and more trees. Quality shops and more parking outside town centre.

242 Better transport links needed. Well suited for commuting if links improved.

464 Improve accessibility & frequency of public transport.

Pedestrianisation

20 176, 453, 475, 446, 442 Consider full or partial pedestrianisation of the main shopping street. This may encourage more visitors.

527 Pedestrianise the Cowgate, Kirkintilloch and increase parking.

Retail

573 We note the ongoing work the Council are undertaking in relation to the town centre. In our view Kirkintilloch town centre is not of an appropriate scale and should be reduced in size. It is the length of Buchanan Street in Glasgow City Centre and in our view it would assist the town centre if the core area was retained as the town centre and the remainder re- allocated for alternative uses.

539 Regent Centre needs to be enlarged.

504 Regenerate east side, attract more retailers to the main street, and attract more businesses to the marina area.

513, 517, 442, 502, 554, 553 Need for more choice of quality shops including electrical, clothes, toys, hardware, gift and stationary shops.

514, 499 There are too many shops. Any development should be aware of this. Particularly south of the canal. More residential development in the town.

559 Do something about the old post office. The new one is inconvenient without a car.

477 Empty shops look bad.

425 Increase footfall to the town centre.

Public Realm & Appearance

544, 527, 477 Fix or remove the derelict Co-op building in Townhead.

477 Demolish former social work building at the canal.

546 Town centre needs a facelift more than Bearsden or Milngavie.

516, 526, 531, 453 The main street in Kirkintilloch looks uncared for and overall planning is non-existing. It looks neglected and run down. An overall plan for upgrading is urgently needed. Buildings need to be upgraded, painted etc and in some cases demolished. The cheap paving blocks on pavements need to be replaced. In particular Cowgate to Townhead. Encourage factors/ landlords to look after their properties, particularly where it affects the health & safety of pedestrians.

568

21 Areas look derelict and unkempt – tidy up. Be more careful about what you allow to be built, don’t give us eyesores like the green Baptist church.

Town Hall

321, 487, 568, 545, 560, 523, 539, 527 Upgrade or restore town hall as there is no suitable venue for large scale activities, e.g. theatre, art show or cinema, in the town. It could be a focal point for the community.

453 The town needs a town/ community hall in the centre of the community, i.e. Regent Street. This would allow maximum use by all, unlike Southbank Road.

521 Central meeting place needed.

Built & Natural Environment

295 More focus on encouraging wildlife

519, 442 Improve parks, walkways & play parks. Woodhead Park – return of wildlife park, glass houses, fish ponds, putting, table tennis etc. events in bandstand in Peel Park. Glass House from Peel Park from which to survey Kirkintilloch’s best views.

Culture & History

509 Kirkintilloch has vibrant potential in relation to history, commerce and leisure. What KI has achieved should be made known to other Scottish councils.

540 Liaise with relevant agencies to have the West Highland Way extended to terminate in Kirkintilloch thereby encouraging tourism and stimulating the economy.

446, 442 Ought to have cultural, community and sports facilities and cinema to complement the existing museum and library. Central area should be pedestrianised and adequate parking nearby provided. Opportunities for increased residential use explored.

Other

485 Least attractive of the four town centres, live nearer but don’t shop there. It is too spread out, not enough variety, difficult parking and nothing for children to do.

579 Planned provision for expansion will be vital in contributing to its future viability.

297 Much investment in the area already so money should be channelled elsewhere where it would be more effective. Investment includes the canal, sports & health centres. There are empty shops but this could be due to the current economic climate.

Non-Planning Issues

530 Minimise empty shops, reduce rents to maximise tenancy.

22 442 Improve by providing events.

476 More incentives to smaller businesses.

259, 558 Encourage small businesses by rates reduction.

Question Ref: Question 2.3 Milngavie Town Centre

Question Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding the future of specific East Dunbartonshire town centres and how can the Local Development Plan improve them?

Summary of Response(s):

Parking

484, 597, 563, 528, 529, 600, 297, 478, 503 Improve parking as it is insufficient for shoppers, also for railway station. Park & ride facility required.

597 Two level car park needed for Milngavie Railway station and three level needed for proposed Allander Station as there is not enough parking for rail users.

Transport

464 Improve accessibility & frequency of public transport.

297 Rail halt at Allander required.

501 Ban cars from the precinct.

Retail

483, 485, 495, 497, 528, 242 Support the provision of a variety of quality shops & services, including Marks & Spencer’s, cafes, restaurants, bars, bakers, pedestrian precinct. Most successful of four town centres in the area. It is a day out town with attractive shops but would also benefit from a bookshop, browsing shops and an antiques shop. Maintain family, local businesses.

533 Not allow a bigger Tesco, which will spoil the look of the area and stop it feeling like a village.

488 Need a Lidl & an Aldi.

23 538 Attract more shops, but not the gift shop or ‘arty’ types.

587 Release additional housing sites to increase the retail spend in the area.

574 The prime retail area of Milngavie town centre is currently under major threat, but this is mainly due the potential expansion of the Tesco store (especially in non-food goods) rather than from internet shopping and competition from out of centre stores. Options which could help protect Milngavie’s prime retail area include:

A. Reversion of the currently dislocated supermarket site to its previous edge of centre designation. B. Conditions attached to the original permission for the supermarket require that it “shall not be used materially for the sale of non-food goods”. Tesco have been interpreting this flexibly. Local Plan 2 TCR 6C – Milngavie - states that ‘the centre’s main convenience retailing is through the Tesco store’. This could be expanded with the provision that in any re-development, the condition to restrict floor space for non-food goods should be expressed in square metres, rather than the overly flexible wording of the existing conditions. C. The concept of the expanded town centre could be embraced, with proper master planning for a larger coherent centre, based on the principles set out in Designing Places. Following consultation with the community and stakeholders, the master plan or design framework should be adopted as supplementary planning guidance. A potential design framework for an enlarged Milngavie Town Centre has been developed by Page\Park Architects

Cultural Assets

572 Besides retail activity, Milngavie Town Centre should strengthen the contribution of its cultural, social and heritage assets as follows:

1. The boundary of the designated Town Centre should, as previously, include the Town Hall and Lillie Art Gallery and any future civic facilities at this site. 2. There should be provision for a Heritage Centre for Milngavie, within the Town Centre. 3. The Town Centre has been enlarged to encompass the Gavin’s Mill site, including the historic Mill, the arc of Allander Water, the fish ladder and associated waterfalls, and the route of the Allander Way. These outstanding and unique assets should be better integrated with the prime retail area on the other side of Woodburn Way, originally a bypass.

Milngavie Town Centre holds unique potential for attractiveness to residents, visitors and tourists and its future should not be at the mercy of ad hoc developments. This calls for Master planning of the enlarged Town Centre. This approach is in accord with Scottish Government Policy as expressed in the documents “Designing Places” and “Designing Streets”.

546, 551, 497,600, 297 More publicity should be given to the tourism & West Highland Way. Town centre is jaded and needs a facelift. Remove excess signs & empty poles. Could provide a visitor centre with changing facilities (charge applicable). The start of the WHW is a distinctive feature.

548 More should be made of Bennie Railplane. Also suggest a small museum, re-creation of the rail line.

466,467, 242

24 Increase tourism by focussing more on West Highland Way e.g. encourage hostel/hotel, outdoor shops.

297 Make more of the River Allander, presently unattractive.

Public Realm & Appearance

537 Would like to see Milngavie retain its village atmosphere.

459, 600 Ensure clean and tidy, working clock and seating.

561 Pedestrianised area needs a rethink.

477 Pedestrian area is good.

Other

526, 567 Low priority, good balance for catchment area.

528 Improve facilities.

528 Encourage local community groups.

297 Craft businesses, fitting in with the environment, should be encouraged to the area.

479 Library and other Council buildings should be near the town centre.

Non-Planning Issues

566 Pay and display during commuter parking peaks

515, 497 Public toilets – clean and well maintained are essential.

529 Less street litter.

518 Small businesses must have affordable rates. Farmers markets are to be encouraged. Have a late opening night for access to working people.

530 Reduce rents to maximise tenancy.

25

Question Ref: Question 3.1 Transport (1)

Question Transport provides access to and from employment, leisure and housing. Local Plan 2 aims to promote more sustainable travel in East Dunbartonshire including by:

- integrating development and transport to reduce the need to travel; - supporting proposals which encourage extended capacity of rail infrastructure; - requiring developer contributions to public transport/active travel where developments would generate additional use of the A803 and A81/A739 corridors; - developing proposals to improve the active travel network such as cycle ways.

Do you think these policies will be effective and if so, should the new plan continue to promote these?

Summary of Response(s):

Agree that Aims Promoting Sustainable Travel, in Local Plan 2, will be Effective and the New Plan Should Continue to Promote this.

483, 489, 549, 499, 501, 525, 527, 579, 557, 558, 528, 586, 587, 529, 581a, 581b, 442, 425, 462, 463, 464, 465, 468, 473, 474, 478, 476,28 Yes, these proposals are vital for the community. Policies should be pursued and promoted.

504, 506, 490, 533, 535, 492, 542, 546, 547, 512, 495, 516, 517, 552, 554, 499, 520, 526, 596, 457, 458, 459, 461, 582, 205, 456, 396 Agree with aims.

Disagree that Aims Promoting Sustainable Travel, in Local Plan 2, will be Effective and the New Plan Should Continue to Promote this.

579 There is no means of delivering the Bishopbriggs Relief Road without residential development.

297 No.

477 It is not easy to get around the area without a car. Cyclists need facilities for showers and businesses do not have this.

479 No, not effective and should not be continued. 494 Do not feel that the policies will be effective and need to be stricter with developers when they get planning permission.

26 507 Yes and no. Disabled people will not always be able to do all they need to within the community.

446 Will help to some extent but will not address the most serious transport issue which is the lack of connection between the west/east and northwest/southeast axes.

Integrate Development & Transport to Reduce the Need to Travel

205 The provision of new development which is in proximity to the existing settlements and transport links are to be supported.

485 Support improvements to transport and note that it should serve locations where people want to travel.

511 Many people living in ED do not work in the area so transport out of the area is important. These are council tax payers and their needs should be considered.

514 Any plan should include transport infrastructure. Reducing the need to travel involves more local employment, which seems unlikely.

555 Mixed views. Not sure if integrated travel will work.

556 Should aim to cut down on unnecessary journeys.

568 In view of the proximity to Glasgow, don’t see how you can reduce the need to travel.

590 The new plan must address issues of transport. Most residents need a car just to do the weekly shopping.

529 Integrate public and private transport and developments, particularly to reduce traffic volumes.

530 The Strathkelvin Retail Park would benefit from a small cinema, which would attract local people and keep their business rather than losing it to neighbouring areas.

579 Support strong linkages between new development & existing communities.

28 Importance of promoting the integration of transport and development is important in order to reduce the need for travel and sure the most efficient use of the existing transport network.

Support Proposals Which Encourage Rail Infrastructure

321 Rail halts at Woodilee & Woodhill with park and ride to existing stations in the area. Scotrail should provide these facilities.

27

533, 538, 492, 493, 563, 297 Yes. Support a new rail halt with park and ride near the Allander Sports Centre. This would reduce parking congestion and reduce traffic into Glasgow and resulting pollution. It would serve Bearsden, Milngavie, Strathblane, Drymen, and Torrance.

212 There is much more potential to make Milngavie station a transport interchange between bus and rail

517, 442 If feasible an extension of the rail network.

574 Policies in LP2 need to be strengthened, for instance by positively promoting rather than merely supporting proposals which encourage extended capacity of rail infrastructure. The plan should positively promote a rail halt near the Allander Leisure Centre with extensive park and ride, in the interests of sustainability and to relieve congestion caused by commuter parking around Milngavie Town Centre and the other three stations in the area. Developer contributions should go towards this rather than major changes to the A81, which may no longer be needed since levels of car usage appear to be falling. If usage of the Milngavie line does increase, and either more frequent trains or larger carriages are introduced, re-opening of Milngavie’s Platform 3 will be required. (Other terminal stations, such as Helensburgh, operate a third platform). A strip of land should therefore be reserved for re-laying of track alongside Platform 3.

28 SPT will support East Dunbartonshire Council in their appraisal of the rail network and direct the council to discuss aspirations with Transport Scotland.

515 Double track the Milngavie to Glasgow railway again.

488 Hillfoot Railway Station must remain open.

Developer Contributions Related to Development, Particularly to Public/ Active Transport from Developments which generate additional use of A803, A81 or A739 Corridors

582 Support the Council’s strategy but developer contributions should only be sought for transport improvements where there is a direct effect caused by the development.

28 Strathclyde Passenger Transport are supportive of a policy requiring developer contributions towards public transport and active travel, however this should not be restricted to developments that would create additional use of the A803 and A81/A739 corridors, but all development that is not adequately served by existing public transport and active travel routes.

503 EDC should not continue to seek contributions from developers as their money comes from customers and it pushes up housing and shop prices.

526 All development should be linked to conditions requiring transport infrastructure.

531 Will not when development is expected to improve transport links, through contributions, but does not.

28

186 Our client welcomes the promotion of sustainable travel in East Dunbartonshire. The eastern side of Kirkintilloch will benefit from further investment in public transport / active travel. We would expect any developer’s contributions be related to the scale and type of the proposal in accordance with Circular 01/2010, Planning Agreements.

573 We would expect any developer’s contributions be related to the scale and type of the proposal in accordance with Circular 01/2010, Planning Agreements.

104 Adopted Local Plan Policy TRANS3 – Developer Requirements – considers the Bishopbriggs Relief Road. Would like to develop a site to help fund & deliver this road.

574 Developer contributions should go towards Allander rail halt & park & ride rather than major changes to the A81, which may no longer be needed since levels of car usage appear to be falling.

176 Need to consider a variety of transport options, including community transport schemes, due to increasing older population. Public transport is problematic as it is easier to travel to Glasgow than across the area.

Proposals to Improve the Active Travel Network, Such as Cycle ways & Paths

571 We support the continued promotion of sustainable travel in East Dunbartonshire. Policies to integrate development and transport and to improve the active travel network are essential. Their effectiveness will, however, partly depend on whether active travel options are genuinely attractive (e.g. green corridors rather than on-road cycle lanes) and sufficiently interconnected. These are issues of green network delivery.

538, 543, 519,493,442,468,574,459 Encourage safe cycle ways, particularly those that link. The linking of public transport facilities and walkways / cycle ways should be improved. Cycling will continue to be dangerous if there is not a ‘cyclists only’ corridor to the city centre.

502 The cycle/walkway between Milton of Campsie and Kirkintilloch and footpath along Birdston Road requires maintenance and repair (Build-up of growth).

491 Existing cycle paths in Milngavie are seldom used.

503 Cycle ways are not justified in EDC due to lack of cyclists, if we must have them they should be off road.

453, 506 Safe, on road cycle routes should be provided, to encourage cycle use. There are scenic, off road cycle paths around KIrkintilloch but people don’t always feel safe getting onto them.

544, 495 There should be a cycle lane alongside the Kirkintilloch/ Lenzie Relief Road. Cycle ways that are physically separate from the road should be provided on all main corridors.

490

29 The A803 should be narrowed to include a cycleway.

569, 565,505 Cycle ways have to be separate due to narrow roads, where cycles jostle with cars & motorcycles. It is too dangerous. Simply drawing lines on roads will not encourage cyclists. 514 The local terrain is not conducive to cycling but should not be ignored.

597 No to cycle ways, costs outweigh benefits.

297 Cycle lanes are not working; use pavements for cycles to keep traffic flowing on the roads.

519,551, 442,212, 176 Active travel networks, including walking and cycling routes should be developed and maintained. Development of integrated pathways should be encouraged as a priority. The canal should be better used. Walking between towns in East Dunbartonshire should be easier with safer pavements i.e. pathways off the road where possible. Better lighting would be important in terms of security. Encourage working from home and children to walk/cycle to school.

521 Exploit the canal as a key asset

498 Walking routes along roads in Bishopbriggs, to the railway station, should be improved at road crossings.

470 Lack of walking routes to bus stops on Initiative Road.

Roads & Traffic

396 Good starting point but must not be undermined by other policies promoting car dependence.

464 These policies need to be effective on a number of levels, not least tackling increasing traffic, eg on Balmore and Kirkintilloch Roads,

456 Less cars & more effective public transport.

556 Encourage car sharing.

297 Large increase in housing so the roads cannot cope. Milngavie needs a bypass road.

596 Can traffic, particularly large vehicles, be diverted away from Bearsden/ Milngavie to relieve congestion & road damage?

567 In view of the new road in Milngavie, it would be advisable to widen this road to its original 4 lane layout.

30 176 Commuter traffic at Lenzie station needs resolved.

Parking:

297 More parking required at same time as implementing long term vision of less cars.

523 Increase free parking around town centres.

484, 491, 501, 442, 600, 466, 467, 468 Continue to improve & promote the issues mentioned in the question, including parking. Bearsden & Milngavie’s roads are gridlocked, all around train stations and on main roads there is car parking, car parking on Milngavie road blocks the cycle tracks. Encourage park & ride, including above or below ground multi storey to.

561 Need to expand park and ride.

459 Adequate car parking at stations essential.

568 The biggest problem is parking, especially at the regent centre

568,569,176 Parking at Lenzie station should be improved as it is a problem. Senior citizens travelling off peak find there is no parking left at the Station. Build a new car park at Lenzie station – acquire the land!

469 Do not introduce a parking zone at Lenzie Station.

Non Planning Comments

456 Promote public transport with low emission vehicles.

485 Need a car or two buses to get to Bishopbriggs Retail Park, from Milton of Campsie

590 Transport is not integrated enough for the complex needs of the people.

529 Need confidence in the effectiveness of transport.

442 Promote access for disabled people.

442 Encourage cheaper transport.

442 Support links to airports.

242 There are opportunities for the area to be made more accessible to areas other than just

31 Glasgow, eg from M8 belt.

455 Transport is good in Bishopbriggs.

559 Make sure road surfaces and roundabouts are adequately maintained.

488, 491, 495, 498, 242, 599, 297 Improve or promote train services, trains that run on time & fewer cancellations. Rail services from Milngavie to Glasgow & Edinburgh are adequate. Morning trains to Bishopbriggs required to get to work.

515 Increased railway frequency from Milngavie to Glasgow.

459 Promoting rail a priority.

518 Continue to keep present bus and rail services. The rail service is very good but the bus service is less frequent and lost the 109. More buses needed at Ruch hows.

212, 453 Better transport links along the Milngavie Strathblane corridor would help encourage public transport use by ‘all ability’ walkers. There must be better bus links between Bearsden centre and Milngavie and to/from these towns & Kirkintilloch.

212, 453 Better public transport to area such as Mugdock Country Park.

536, 488, 495, 442, 242, 455,599 , 453 Improve or promote bus services and related information. Too few buses on Switchback Road to Gartnavel Hospital and West End. Not enough bus links to Lenzie Rail station, particularly for people who work unsociable hours.

508 There is a good bus service into Glasgow but could do with a regular service from Woodhill Road / Wester Cleddens Road passing through Bishopbriggs Cross. Not all residents able to walk and would use the shops more.

496 Note on bus services from Bearsden to Glasgow and that some bus services have been curtailed.

524 Better funded and increased frequency of bus services from the villages & through Kirkintilloch & Bishopbriggs would benefit residents, services and shops.

560 Could do with new bus service to and from Lenzie Station

568 The x85 and x87 have greatly improved travel for Lenzie.

553 Need public transport from Lennoxtown and Milton of Campsie to Bishopbriggs.

32

Question Ref: Question 3.2 Transport (2)

Question Are there other ways the plan could contribute towards sustainable transport?

Summary of Response(s):

The Implications of Development for Transportation

526 Cover the interface between transport and housing/ retail development by conditions.

495 Minimise large scale housing developments in an overcrowded area.

581a, 581b By providing new housing within or on the edge of settlements which link well with the existing urban form.

205 By providing new economic development within easy access to the main road network, which links well with the existing urban form

600 Houses where there is no parking and inadequate roads lead to encouragement to us public transport and chaos.

532 The transport is good, no need to add to it.

Rail Stations & Park & Ride

596, 527, 523, 558, 531, 528, 464, 446, 503, 295, 28, 504, 463, 453, 480, 564, 540, 506, 513 Parking at stations (Westerton, Hillfoot, Milngavie, Lenzie) is a problem; they are usually full early in the morning. Need better parking or park and ride. Provide a new Woodilee Rail Station with extensive parking, like Croy. Could provide a multi storey at Lenzie. Transport infrastructure in Kirkintilloch/Lenzie needs to be enhanced.

483 If expensive houses are built park and ride provision needs improved.

508 Only the lack of parking at Bishopbriggs Cross which would encourage more residents to use the trains and buses as not all can walk there.

515 Bearsden and Milngavie must have a park and ride of >1000 cars e.g. in Allander area to prevent gridlock between here and Glasgow. Most other cities and other areas on the perimeter of Glasgow have one. Major parking problem on Milngavie Road (Hillfoot Station) and Station Road, Bearsden.

33 559 Do not open Woodilee station at the expense of Lenzie station as this will kill off Lenzie centre.

560 Rail facilities could be supported

533 A new rail halt at Allander.

Improvements to Public Transport Infrastructure

569 Add new bus bays/stops on the link road for Lenzie and Woodilee residents. Forget the proposal for a new rail halt, it will never happen – too close to Lenzie station.

468 Bus route clearways introduced during peak times.

28 Ensure provision and preservation of bus infrastructure to create an optimum bus network including stops, bays, turning circles and layover points.

521 Water bus on canal.

522 Do not use Kirkintilloch as a transfer hub.

503 Money should not be spent on public transport no one uses.

Improvements to Active Travel Networks: Cycling & Walking

536, 546 More cycling lanes

518 The cycle route through Bearsden disappears at Asda and is dangerous.

519, 530, 533 There is a cycling tradition in the area, build on this. Safer cycle and walking routes should be promoted, including off road cycle routes.

566 Reopen old railway lines as cycle routes e.g. through Torrance.

297 Cycle lanes should be on pavements.

519 Ensure landscape is accessible through adequate pathways.

Improvements to Roads / General Parking

490 By putting in traffic calming measures on the A803 will encourage traffic, such as lorries, to

34 take alternative routes.

564 Multi story parking.

487 State of roads should be addressed, they will not currently attract businesses or tourists, and developments will make this worse.

537 Short stay paying car park in Milngavie.

104 Adopted Local Plan Policy TRANS3 – Developer Requirements – considers the Bishopbriggs Relief Road. Would like to develop a site to help fund & deliver this road.

442, 466, 467 More road links and motorways to other areas, including Glasgow – avoiding Hardgate.

479 Paid parking in town centre.

General Sustainable Transport

579, 586, 587 Make sustainable transport a priority. Plan could assist by making it a condition on new residential developments to make a contribution.

242 Sustainable transport should be developed in parallel with local businesses.

442 Encourage sustainable transport through Strathclyde Passenger Transport, other transport networks, community based links to Airport.

518, 501 Improve links across ED. Investigate links between Bearsden/ Milngavie & Bishopbriggs/ Kirkintilloch.

242 Reduce reliance on cars.

Non Planning Comments

321 Integrate bus & rail timetables.

488 Cheaper train fares – there is little financial incentive to leave car at home, even with high petrol prices.

498 Bishopbriggs is well served by rail, improve morning rail services

548 A free bike scheme, such as those in Dublin and London (see ‘Dublin Bikes’)

535, 488, 497, 532, 528, 529, 453,28

35 Local buses timetabled to go to and from trains, especially in evening. Better bus services. Provide “through tickets” to save time. Make sure people know how to use buses, frequency & times, near their homes.

538, 549 Improved bus services from Milngavie & Bearsden to wider area.

512, 563 Keep up the pressure on improved bus travel especially in these days of free bus passes for the elderly. This contributes to the green agenda.

517 Electric buses. Rural areas could be better served to keep car numbers down. Reinstate the Campsite Glen to Glasgow via Bishopbriggs bus service.

498 Bishopbriggs is well served by buses.

519 Bus service should incorporate all areas within the local authority.

567,453 Promote better bus services and links, particularly for Hillhead, Kirkintilloch to surrounding villages of Twechar, Waterside, Lennoxtown & Milton.

527 Raise speed limit from Townhead to Woodilee to 40mph.

529 In housing areas curb traffic speed.

494 This needs money and in this financial climate this is impossible.

591 Considering East Dunbartonshire Council is the largest employer in the local authority area, what measures have been considered for the provisions of council services, other than that through the use of private vehicles.

530, 478 Make it easier to travel between the four council towns, by sustainable transport, all year.

456, 599 Better services with more direct routes. Frequency & choice of service.

176 Community transport options should be supported, particularly to meet the needs of more vulnerable and isolated people. These could be social enterprises.

297 Transport provision should take account of the aging population.

511 Assess travel to work patterns and lay on speedy transport at peak hours.

36

Question Ref: Question 4.1 Housing (1)

Question Recent analyses have demonstrated that there is a continuing shortage of the right sort of housing for local needs in East Dunbartonshire. What sort of housing do you think we need?

Summary of Response(s):

Affordable Housing

321, 483, 484, 486, 502, 485, 488, 539, 541, 542, 544, 545, 546, 494, 510, 508, 513, 551, 518, 498, 499, 555, 548, 560, 561, 562, 564, 521, 259, 579, 586, 557, 587, 585, 446, 582, 442, 425, 396, 465, 176, 481, 478, 479, 507, 517, 458

Support for more affordable housing including: Private or social affordable housing. Private & affordable rented housing. Affordable for renting or buying, including low cost starter homes. Affordable housing for young people & young families that meets their needs, including smaller houses. Will lose young people from the area if they cannot afford to live there. Lower cost housing for 1st time buyers. 1-2 bed flats to help first time buyers. Why should young people have to move away from the area they have been brought up in to afford housing? Housing would encourage people who work in the area to live there. Not large detached luxury houses. Cheaper private housing and good quality low rise social housing. Social Housing in Kilmardinny site. Affordable housing within towns/villages. Increased affordable housing, shared ownership and housing association housing.

506 Lenzie is short of lower cost housing

458 Bishopbriggs is a private zone almost exclusively and would benefit from more integration.

456 Housing should be based on affordability – less council houses, more private.

463 In the current climate, shared ownership.

Housing for Care or Older People

321 484 487, 490, 503, 491, 523, 557, 558, 529, 585, 582, 442, 425,176, 478, 504 More elderly / retirement housing. Demographic studies (2001) show need for retirement housing. This could be private or affordable retirement housing and mixed with private housing. Both would release housing. A range of accommodation with easy access to services and facilities, sheltered housing & care accommodation to cater for vulnerable people and the increasing numbers of older people. Private, supported, sheltered accommodation required which provides an option of a more suitable home but without using public money.

529, 535, 236, 468, 527, 559, 538 Provide sheltered accommodation close to town centres and facilities. Sheltered housing or accommodation suitable for older population. Use town hall and coop sites (Kirkintilloch) for sheltered housing, to cater for aging population and free up housing elsewhere. We need sheltered housing and smaller units including bungalows. Sheltered housing should be built for the elderly to free up existing housing stock.

37

499, 176, 535, 236, 468 Provide housing for the downsizers of the community, including private. There is a shortage. Smaller units to encourage people to downgrade to smaller houses if they are too big, thus freeing them up for larger families.

590 A lot has been said in this village the people who want to downsize after their children move on are finding it difficult to find suitable property. A recent decision by the Reporter to the Scottish Parliament to allow an area of greenbelt to be developed for affordable housing may help.

508 Possibly more luxury flats for retirement

512 Possibly flats or apartments. These may be necessary as people get older and gardening becomes a chore.

542 Less elderly only accommodation.

Private Housing

510 More private housing

495 Other than social housing, housing provision is determined by market demands.

92 Main stream housing, in particular single plot, self build units.

425 Sites allocated for private housing could last to 2030.

479 No more private housing as people are priced out of the market.

Mix of market and affordable housing

516, 552, 553, 554, 579, 268, 586, 587, 529, 585, 530, 582, 583, 534, 485, 459, 453, 543, 523, 528

A good mixed diverse community with, a full range of different types of housing. Including affordable private, local authority & rented. Property to let and shared purchase.

453 More Council/ housing association houses for rent throughout the area, not concentrated in certain areas.

104, 598, 480 Improved provision of a variety of imaginative house types and affordability to meet housing requirements.

186 East Dunbartonshire needs a mix of types and tenures of new housing to provide for all part of the market. There is clearly a significant shortfall in affordable housing provision as presented through the Local Plan 2 Examination. This can only be met if additional land is released for private housing which can then in turn provide an element of affordable

38 housing.

575, 576, 579 It is abundantly clear that East Dunbartonshire requires a greater range and choice of market housing sites to reduce its reliance on a small number of larger housing sites. There is also a pressing need for significant levels of affordable housing across the Council area. There is an overall shortfall in homes for private sale & the affordable sector. This is largely due to historic inaction by the Council over recent Local Plans, maintaining greenbelt boundaries which are too tight around settlements, thereby stifling any opportunity to deliver sites which will contribute affordable housing. A failure to address such housing needs over recent Local Plans has resulted in East Dunbartonshire having the highest affordable housing need per capita across the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area.

577 A range and choice of housing is required in appropriate and suitable locations. Greenfield housing release sites would help to meet both the private and affordable housing sector needs. In all regards a generous supply of appropriate and effective housing sites should be made available to meet needs and demands and create sustainable mixed communities in line with National Planning Policy.

485 Mixed housing sites suitable for all categories of people. Access to open space.

466, 467 Private houses and limited social houses.

House Type

Small 538, 596, 528 Houses of medium size for families, less executive homes. Balance of all types of housing.

550, 526 Family housing with gardens (not flats), particularly compact ones.

566 2-3 Bedroom semi-detached.

523 Flats for single persons and couples without children.

518, 532, 599 Provide cheaper flats or houses, for singles, couples or elderly not large luxury homes only affordable to high wage earners. A good example is a development at Hardgate.

596 Stop selling land for executive homes and encourage realistic sized family homes.

Large 567 4-6 bedrooms key type.

Large and Small 581a, 581b Housing choice, including “executive” type housing is required.

579, 586, 587 Need for a whole range. Adequate supply of flatted properties but a shortage of quality homes and affordable units. No land supply post 2013.

39

520 Maintain the greenbelt. Mixed housing, make developers build flats as part of development.

Sustainable 544, 297 Promote environmentally friendly housing [sustainable?], with micro renewables, in the area.

530 Affordable, energy efficient housing close to existing transport routes & infrastructure.

559 A new approach is needed. Suggest innovative design such as blocks of round housing as were built in prehistoric times.

457 More environmentally friendly new build housing / a green village.

Other 519 The current trend for single occupancy is unsustainable therefore sharing of property could be rewarded and may encourage unselfish behaviour and a community / communal outlook.

498 House style should be maintained, particularly for owner occupiers.

495 The area’s infrastructure needs protected from unreasonably large developments.

524 The area cannot compete with land banks in neighbouring authorities.

569 Current policy seems fine.

582 By making a realistic assessment of need and providing flexibility in the numbers to ensure that effective sites are programmed and can deliver.

457 New estates should have local shops, this never happens.

242 Area has a diverse mix of environments, look at individual areas individually.

461 Take care not to [?] modern estates and flats as they can be unsightly.

600 Housing should meet the needs of the local population.

297 Do not need more housing as there is a mix of house types across the area. Older people are entitled to live in their family home. People move to the area for schools etc.

477 There is enough, with Woodilee. Schools are almost full.

40 28 SPT support any approach that provides housing needs and that sites can be met accessed by sustainable travel modes.

540 The introduction of hostels for young single mothers would release valuable housing for established families in greater need.

Non-planning Issues

497,463 Reintroduce Council house building, which has not taken place for years, to provide affordable homes and work for building firms, thereby regenerating the economy.

492 Social housing should attract realistic rent, with no impact on Council Tax levels.

544 Stop receiving homeless people from Glasgow and cater for our own young people.

560 Careful consideration of tenants for new housing development.

Question Ref: Question 4.2 Housing (2)

Question How do we provide for unmet housing need?

Summary of Response(s):

Query level of need

503 EDC cannot and should not meet all housing need, no one has the right to live in a particular area, the market will decide.

496, 524, 297 At present do not see necessity to provide for unmet needs. Existing land is undeveloped and new housing developments are not selling.

297 Do not want to provide low amenity housing, which may deteriorate into slums in the future.

491 Queries if needs are requirements of local population or to provide for those from other areas such as Glasgow.

534 Find out what is unmet and ensure future developments cater for unmet needs.

529 An appropriate level of affordable housing, rented and private, should be built.

41

530, 455 Explain what “unmet” housing need is.

487 Do not need housing as there are many vacant properties.

493 Query the need for more houses in the area. Queries who needs the housing. If there is a need are there enough health facilities and schools or would it exacerbate road congestion?

496 The current financial crisis has hindered the completion of houses and new houses are not selling so why plan more at this time.

104 Embrace population growth that will bring other benefits to the area. Identify additional land for housing beyond & above that identified in the emerging Glasgow & Clyde Valley SDP. Address the issue of a shortage of the right type of housing for local needs in the area. This will help support the need & demand for new housing in the area.

Require further housing allocations, which would add benefit including supporting local facilities, infrastructure and attraction/ retention of young families. To achieve this a mix of houses is required, at varying prices.

There should be a strategy of replacing non effective sites. Not all sites in adopted plan will be implemented. Recommend providing longer term housing options which could be accelerated to fill deficiencies in the 5 year land supply, including green field land. Alternatively provide a strategic reserve of land & a policy mechanism to bring additional sites forward, through the Plan.

493 People moving into the area should have to wait until something comes up. An expanding building programme does not benefit anyone except developers and the Council.

457 You can’t provide for unmet need.

Public Provision 488, 504, 548, 479 More social housing / council owned housing

497,463 Reintroduce Council house building, which has not taken place for years, to provide affordable homes and work for building firms, thereby regenerating the economy.

569, 565 Carry on building low cost housing but only when EDC can afford to do so.

Private Provision

259 Get the housing market moving by providing opportunities for new builds, this could then free up houses down the chain.

579, 586, 587 By allowing private sector housing land releases both within and without settlements. A full Greenbelt review is required and new sites should be proposed to continue a 5 year supply

42 at all times & meet the significant shortfall in housing land provision.

585 Provision of effective housing sites.

566 Private housing

462 Encourage house builders to build.

463 Not private landlords.

453 Negotiate more houses for rent in developments. Why does the area not get a higher percentage of this, other areas do?

Public & Private Provision 535 Public and private means

508, 463 Possibly shared ownership

526 Partnership with private developers

442 Local authorities, housing associations, social work & landlords

176 Work with housing associations and other partners.

Planning department - Release land and AH policy

552 Relaxation of planning consents whilst maintaining protection of the environment

555, 563 After using all brownfield sites, move into green belt areas.

567 Approve new developments

579 The Council should release a range of sites, including green belt.

186 New Greenfield release should be promoted in East Dunbartonshire on sites adjacent to the settlement boundary. Smaller extensions to settlements through appropriate Greenfield release can add to the housing land supply in a planned matter. The Scottish Planning Policy document explains that the inner boundary of the greenbelt should not be drawn too tightly around settlement boundaries. It states that where appropriate an area for planned development between the existing settlement edge and greenbelt boundary. There is presently too much reliance on large single sites which are not providing necessary output to meet demand.

575, 576, 579 EDC have to acknowledge their inaction over recent Local Plans and their failure to

43 address the need for greater flexibility in its effective housing land supply and the need for affordable housing. This will need to be met by the release of green belt land, and therefore a change in Council policy of tightly drawn green belt boundaries is required, which are contrary to Scottish Government policy.

577 Effective greenfield release sites would help to meet the outstanding housing need especially at a time when market conditions limit and restrict expensive brownfield developments.

581a, 581b, 598 Allowing developments that can be delivered within a reasonable timeframe and without constraints and which are viable in the current economic climate.

268 The Council should allocate sufficient land to meet the identified needs in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan Housing Needs and Demand Assessment and that small windfall sites that can easily be developed should be considered favourably in the plan alongside specific housing allocations and the Council should account for these in is policies on housing.

458 Increase the percentage of affordable housing to be given by private developers. 20% to 30% of all new developments should be part owned.

242 Regeneration of areas.

456 Don’t build houses everywhere to protect residents’ amenity.

599 New build and existing building use.

Other

483 Saving on high salaries.

480 Higher design standards. Change peoples perceptions about housing.

Non-planning Issues - Housing department - Homeless / Waiting lists / Use of vacant houses

493 Homeless people should be provided with existing or new houses.

513 Have a hostel for homeless people until somewhere is available. Let those on waiting lists be housed as first priority.

513 Good idea changing accommodation to bigger/smaller housing as needs change – could have free removable allowance.

554, 560, 561, 521 Ensure that all empty houses are utilised.

514

44 Buy back or purchase property as when it is reasonable to do so in the depressed market.

568 Vacant housing should be renovated and brought into use.

590 EDC with help from Westminster and Holyrood could utilise the skills of the unemployed giving them new skills.

459 Rental.

461 Reuse old derelict housing estates or flat stock.

526, 596, 531 Do not sell Local Authority housing. Repurchase any former Council houses coming onto market. Regeneration of existing council properties.

520 Update Housing lists and faster re-letting.

462 Use Council property sales to build new Council stock.

453 Ask the Scottish Government for more finance to help meet target of housing the homeless.

465 Encourage people to extend or convert existing houses where possible.

Question Ref: Question 4.3 Housing (3)

Question In which areas should new housing be built?

Summary of Response(s):

Brownfield and Windfall Sites Within Urban Areas

321, 484, 486, 485, 540, 494, 517, 596, 562, 522, 236, 531, 528, 529, 442, 425, 242, 456, 462, 297, 479, 507, 508, 559, 520, 544, 495, 295, 560, 600, 468, 485, 528, 529, 507, 557 Essential to use brownfield & infill sites. Brownfield & infill sites and disused buildings in settlements, particularly so green belt is retained & urban sprawl reduced. Overgrown spare sites. Use of unused buildings and sites lying empty for years gathering weeds. Only on existing derelict sites – replace, redevelop. No more green belt land or farmland should be used. Green land & parks are a resource that should be protected.

465 Not on green belt or infill. New housing between new roads & housing between them and the urban area erodes the green belt.

45 569 Brownfield sites where there is no realistic prospect of industry taking these.

458 Re zone redundant commercial zoned areas.

571 New housing development should be sustainably located, utilising brownfield land rather than inappropriate expansion of greenfield sites. This could justifiably form a Main Issue in itself, especially considering the number of greenfield proposals that were brought to the Examination of Local Plan 2. New developments should be located in such a way that the green network (both existing and aspirational components) can be incorporated to create a distinctive sense of place. Account should also be taken of key factors of accessibility, landscape character, biodiversity, flood risk etc.

104 In urban/ village areas.

513 Not on children’s play areas or parks. On derelict land, but not on designated green belt land. In a few, least detrimental to the landscape as possible. Ensure the long view is retained as a claustrophobic aspect resulting from too many buildings would have a negative impact on our amenity.

508 Land set aside for building e.g. old school sites which lie without progress for years.

484, 485, 518, 566, 529 Housing should not encroach on green belt and open spaces & should improve recreational areas.

568 Greenbelt should be protected and brownfield sites used first. Beware of allowing private developers to produce uncontrolled spread around the towns.

590 There are several brownfield sites in the District.

461, 463, 469 Not near outskirts, green belt or green areas.

Town Centres

534, 485, 543, 236, 480 In and around town centres

551, 559 Covert old buildings. Including the unused areas of Kirkintilloch main street, especially at Townhead and in particular the former coop building.

566 Particularly where town centres need support e.g. Kirkintilloch.

514 Develop town centre properties to cater for younger/older people.

46 534, 485 More in town centres. If Kirkintilloch shops were more compact this would attract people who like to shop locally to live there.

Greenfield

532 Unused Park areas, small wooded areas, of which there are a lot, cleared.

535 Reclaim land, esp flood areas.

546 Serious consideration should be given to releasing green belt land for affordable housing. Otherwise the elitist reputation of the area will increase and push up both house prices and the average age of the area.

579 Less sensitive greenbelt sites should form key elements of the housing strategy. This includes the Langmuir & Lennoxlea sites, which are well located in terms of the existing community and wider hierarchy.

458 Push back the greenbelt boundaries.

Mix of Greenfield & Brownfield

489 Any area should be considered provided the appropriate assessments are carried out.

539, 546 A mix of green belt and re-development of run down areas.

552, 555 Mainly brownfield but sympathetic green field sites should be considered.

259 Smallholdings/farm areas within the green belt that have had or could be improved by allowing building to be done i.e. brown belt

268 Sites adjacent to the existing urban form currently classified as greenbelt

579 Areas such as 36 hectares at Wester Lumloch are less sensitive areas of greenbelt. 530 Within town boundaries are the priority, with options to expand towns where appropriate.

577 Housing should be built in all areas across East Dunbartonshire to ensure housing demands are met with a variety of different types of housing in a range of locations and to encourage sustainable mixed communities in line with National Planning Policy.

554 Any suitable area, but ensure that current occupiers views are sought.

Where market dictates

581a, 581b In areas that are attractive to the market, such as Lenzie.

47

Where housing need is

491 Limit housing development to that which caters for real need. Development for which there is a low need will detract from communities and exacerbate traffic problems at peak times

492, 425 Greatest need areas, including the four main settlements. Villages have least need.

511 According to residents need if this is possible. Otherwise analyse why people wish houses in certain areas and explore alternatives.

497 The Council waiting list would be a good starting point.

582, 583 Across Council area in accordance with the HNDA.

457 Where required.

Bearsden

567 West Park zone to Hillfoot Bearsden road proposal.

488, 579, 538 Kilmardinny site. Ineffective site at Kilmardinny. Use the land around the Allander/bus station.

503 Perhaps the farmland behind the fire station near the Baljaffay roundabout.

538 Around the former bus garage site at Kilmardinny. This is no longer green belt. Along the road from Baljaffray to Windyhead.

586 Less sensitive greenbelt areas such as Castlehill Wedge. Ineffective site at Kilmardinny.

494 Existing flats in Nithsdale/ Court Hill, Bearsden could be demolished as they do not provide a great number of houses and more attractive housing provided. There must be other areas in the district like this.

Bishopbriggs 551 Outskirts of Bishopbriggs.

522 Flats and single story terraces in Bishopbriggs.

463 The old academy site.

Kirkintilloch 507, 508, 559

48 Derelict sites in Kirkintilloch

551 Outskirts of Kirkintilloch

527 Utilise brownfield areas at Southbank & Eastside areas.

490, 526 Kirkintilloch, including towards Milton of Campsie

558 Redevelop Tom Johnston House site.

186 Kirkintilloch East is an area which has seen limited new house building in the last 20 – 30 years. New development in this location can assist in the use of existing schools and services; furthermore it can provide the opportunity to improve links and public transport infrastructure to this part of East Dunbartonshire.

579 It is clear that additional housing sites and affordable housing is required across all areas of East Dunbartonshire, including Kirkintilloch.

Milngavie 551 To the north and east of Milngavie.

587 Dougalston Estate for housing.

585 Craigton Woods partially developed for residential use.

546 Milngavie and Bearsden brownfield sites

548 The area surrounding the Allander Leisure Centre by the new sports centre. The fields behind the Mains Estate.

532 Land between Milngavie & Blanefield, with suitable transport.

Villages / Small Towns

575 It is clear that additional housing sites and affordable housing is required across all areas of East Dunbartonshire, including Campsie Glen and Lennoxtown.

526 Torrance, towards Bishopbriggs.

576 It is clear that affordable housing is required across all areas of East Dunbartonshire, including Milton of Campsie, with the latest SHIP identifying a need for 201 affordable units in the area. This proposal would meet this need almost in full.

92

49 Consider green belt release for single sites – Lennoxtown. Lennox Castle site, to take advantage of existing infrastructure & complement the access.

473 Lennoxtown

Other

510 Any areas which require updating.

504 Can’t think of any sites in Bearsden and Milngavie without interfering with the greenbelt.

519, 524 Retaining present rural aspect is a must – it benefits almost everyone and should remain the priority in considering housing. The attractive identity should be protected by retaining land around settlement boundaries.

483, 502, 561, 529, 459 Close to transport, local amenities, town centres & schools

487 The scale and design of new housing should complement properties in the surrounding area.

524 No new land should be released as this would be to the detriment of existing communities and lower their quality of life.

590 There are sites throughout the District and special consideration should be given to those in areas where there is also the chance to create employment with small to medium size units.

209 Wherever there are new housing developments green space should be retained. Any geodiversity features should be protected and where appropriate, promoted eg Manse Burn.

442 Don’t build on areas at risk of flooding.

499 Alongside the existing housing stock.

600 Where there are jobs, industry & adequate road system.

466,467 Not in my backyard.

176 Across the area ensure social housing is not clustered together but mixed.

453 Not always in high density, populated areas, eg Hillhead, Harestanses, Gallowhill. Building on free space there overstretches school provision and there is little for young people to do there, causing community problems.

50 28 All new housing developments should be provided in locations that can be accessed by sustainable travel modes and are within reasonable distance of local services. Not private car. SPT happy to assist in assessing relationship between potential housing sites and bus stops served by high frequency bus services.

Question Ref: Question 5.1, Businesses (1)

Question What can the plan do to support the business base within East Dunbartonshire? Should we aim to retain current levels of employment and wealth within the area or aim to expand the employment base?

Summary of Response(s):

What can the Plan do To Support the Business Base in the Area – General

485, 498, 527, 104,453 Provide jobs for community and young people. This will help them stay in the area. Too much unemployment for unskilled/ semi-skilled.

453 Develop own separate identity for the future, not sufficient to be a Glasgow dormitory.

503 Reduce bureaucracy and delays in planning permission. Provide adequate access and parking.

The Plan Should Aim to Retain Current Levels of Employment & Wealth

504, 542, 487, 491, 549, 495, 554, 465, 453, 297 Maintain business base. Prioritise the retention of current levels of employment. Retain current levels, at minimum. Do this first.

502,503 Realistically maintaining the current levels may be difficult enough. Doing more than is done now is an aspiration in current situation.

The Plan Should Aim to Expand the Employment Base

533, 485, 487, 488, 534, 535, 537, 489, 490, 539, 540, 506, 543, 508, 545, 546, 510, 550, 551, 516, 552, 553, 295, 555, 514, 499, 520, 526, 566, 561, 562, 564, 521, 236, 259, 557, 558, 531, 529, 446, 530,104, 583, 205, 458, 425, 462, 599, 473, 463, 465,453, 297, 478, 476,527, 456 Expand the local employment base if possible. Suitable partners in private sector should be found. Expand business and the employment base in retail & business parks. It will introduce new people and workers to the area. Emphasis on a higher value employment & wealth creation. Consolidate first. Ensure the local economy is viable. If the employment base can be sustained then expand in a sustainable way as the area is a desirable place to live, and this should be maintained.

512 At least retain the current levels with possibly a little expansion. On no account should it become

51 an industrial heartland.

517, 569 The aim should be to encourage existing and new business to increase employment. Grow and prosper, it’s the only way to improve corporate individual wealth. Produce innovative solutions, think outside the box!

590 As it stands keeping the current level would be a bonus. We must be realistic and keep within our budget. However nothing wrong with being prepared for the upturn.

492 Private sector will expand so be ready to meet business needs.

497 Both retain current employment & expand.

28 Expand local employment in order to reduce need to travel outside the council boundary. This will have an impact on the potential for increased travel to work by active travel modes.

Support & Expand the Business Base by Encouraging Particular Sizes or Types of Businesses

526, 529,482 Encourage private enterprise: retail, small to medium enterprises, craft, specialist services or products.

518 Encourage small businesses, rather than large businesses that strangle small businesses, in order to expand the business base.

498 Encourage small and large employers. Aviva for example employs local residents and brings workers who spend in the area.

583 Future needs are likely to arise through Class 4 uses such as major research facilities and small business units.

242 The area is close to Universities so there are opportunities for science company investment. Scottish Enterprise would be likely to offer assistance.

176 Attract business by using link road, prioritising tourism & attracting a learning centre like Cumbernauld Campus.

396 Sustainable business practices offer important opportunities for new businesses to start up and for existing businesses to diversify or simply to cut their costs.

Support & Expand the Business Base by Encouraging the Provision of Business Land & Property

479 Encourage more development of business/ retail parks.

483

52 Provide affordable commercial premises for rent

567 Create a new business park zone.

494 Bearsden has few areas suitable for business needs so it may be difficult to expand there.

Support & Expand the Business Base by Encouraging Retail

536 More useful shops within walking distances of the various estates.

493 It is important to support business in the current climate. Shoppers should be encouraged to stay in their local area for their shopping. Shop proposals should consider whether this business is already provided.

515 We need to support local businesses – developments like Tesco extra kill them. Superstores should be in out of town sites provided there is not over provision.

468 Encourage High Street shops to move into town centres rather than out of town areas.

532 Not cheap shops, for example the one in Milngavie.

Support & Expand the Business Base by Encouraging Home Working and Improving the Quality of Life

519 Local working would be a boon to a greener environment and quality of life. A reduction in transport except cycling must be the priority.

581a, 581b Provide more housing attractive to potential workforce.

464 Need more after school/ school holiday facilities.

Non Planning Comments

321, 538, 544, 560, 531 Reduce business rates & increase employment through promotion.

507,461 Reduce rental prices to encourage new and old businesses. Discount rental rates for 1st year.

512 If the crippling rents/rates charges could be reduced it might help attract interest and reduce number of empty shops. It might reduce charity shops – although they are a good cause do they pay any rent/rates?

457, 527 Financial incentives should be offered to attract and keep business.

511

53 Recruitment incentives occur from time to time in Glasgow which excludes ED residents and businesses are excluded. This should be explored.

528 Encourage unemployed to do general environmental & community improvements & maintenance.

Question Ref: Question 5.2, Businesses (2)

Question Are there any new or changing business needs that the plan needs to consider? If so, what are they and how can the plan help?

Summary of Response(s):

Changing Business Needs & How the Plan Can Help – Provision of Employment Land and Premises in the Local Area

485,453, 477 Businesses, particularly small ones, need incentives and should be encouraged to locate in the area and accommodated. Employment is essential for growth & happiness.

478 Improve quality of Council owned units.

529 Develop business/ industrial centres close to good transport facilities such as railway stations.

205 Diversification. Storage and distribution and data centres require to be considered as an integral part of the plan, in locations which can be delivered.

507, 526 Better parking, transport & access.

522 Depend less on Glasgow

600 There are long term empty buildings on Maryhill dual carriage way, Bearsden.

590 The council should engage with all agencies and taking all into account act on what is sensible and realistic.

Small Business Needs and How the Plan Can Help

551 458, 297, 477 Encourage a wider range of and more small businesses. These could include cottage industries, arts and crafts, garden centres.

54

526 Encourage niche small to medium enterprises.

446 Plan should encourage and support provision of small scale businesses that have low set up costs and high value added qualities. Also consider the provision of facilitated “incubator” premises for small businesses which could add high value jobs as they grow.

New or Changing Retail & Town Centre Business Needs & How the Plan Can Help

559 Need to retain clothing type shops to prevent loss of trade to Glasgow.

507 Don’t be too keen to open chains, people look for something different.

528 Encourage a balance of charity shops & retail to draw public.

459 Non-retail business may provide additional employment.

566 Parking or lack of it kills small retail area e.g. in Kessington or Milngavie Road near Hillfoot.

507 Too many eating places at Bearsden cross – get retail units in there with alternative shops.

494 More shops and offices in Milngavie as the town centre there is a place residents of Bearsden & Milngavie visit regularly.

518 Why is Milngavie town centre full of charity shops and optometrists? Need a variety e.g. toy shops, fruit and vegetable shops, delicatessens.

484 Large Tesco superstore proposal in Milngavie should not be allowed as it will have a negative impact on local town centre traders.

513 More hardware, stationary, gift shops in Kirkintilloch.

560 Consider more flexible policy on retail park uses.

526 Move away from retail parks

479 A retail park in Bearsden/ Milngavie.

Tourism & Recreation Business Needs and How the Plan Can Help

297 Tourism development will result in hotels & associated industries. Facilities, like toilets, should be provided.

55

209 Existing businesses can be encouraged to promote the area`s geodiversity attractions. This could result in new business opportunities such as catering, accommodation, transport.

259 Encouraging out door business, ie equine based, cycle, boating etc, will work hand in hand with health and improving lifestyle in ED

212 The increase in open air leisure activities such as walking give business opportunities for accommodation, leisure wear, and refreshments as well as other retail opportunities. Planning for these

Other Niche Markets’ Business Needs & How the Plan Can Help

535 Open specialised areas (i.e.) food and other manufacturers.

519 Highlight the importance of expertise in agriculture, soil, gardening, trees etc so that adequate training is sustained to ensure its future. More importance should be given to developing garden areas within public places. New businesses could develop as a result of this.

591 There are a more employment opportunities for young and old alike in greater use of sustainable transport. Greater support for emerging business that support `green` transport alternatives should provided and integrated into the plan.

IT and technology and How the Plan Can Help

514 Ensure high speed broadband is available everywhere or whatever technology brings next.

530, 599 Better internet & broadband provision to the area’s towns & villages to support tourism.

567 e-business, a technology park?

468 Encourage call centres, see example of RAC & Aviva.

Business Needs – Quality of Life

532 A new Allander sports centre as the existing one is not adequate.

581a, 581b Meet housing needs of workforce by allocating new sites in desirable locations.

Non Planning Comments

526, 557, 528,453

56 Provide rent and rates support. Lower rates for town centre and starter businesses to help them succeed.

569 Be much more hands on when in partnership with entrepreneurs. Get into bed with them so they are not all alone. Provide active support.

531 Promote work places for the under 25 age group.

176 Support social enterprises, like community transport.

510 By making it worthwhile for business to move here

Question Ref: Question 6.1 Tourism

Question What does the plan need to do to encourage the development of tourism without compromising our key assets of scenery and heritage?

Summary of Response(s):

Develop Tourism by Improving the Quality of the Built Environment, In Particular Town Centres

553 Develop and clean up Cowgate, have more restaurants and cafes open in evenings.

526 Refresh appearance. In particular the 1960s architecture in Kirkintilloch needs updated, including the canopy in the Cowgate.

568, 453 Pay more attention to preserving our heritage and making it accessible and attractive but without threatening or destroying it by unsuitable development. The Barony Chambers needs repair and the Kirkintilloch Town Hall is not a good advert.

572 Milngavie offers important tourist attractions, within or close to its Town Centre: Gavin’s Mill, the Fish Ladder, the Victorian Railway Station, the Lillie Art Gallery and the Heritage Centre. Their attractiveness to visitors needs enhanced by planned improvements in the public realm, with benefit to, rather than any threat to key scenic and heritage assets. The bridge on Gavin’s Mill Road affords fine views falls and the fish pass and should clearly remain within the public realm, an important town centre feature.

543, 464, 477 Protect, maintain & enhance open spaces & other common areas.

57 600 Improve gardens, which are deficient in Bearsden.

574 Improving the quality of a place for everyone is also the best way to attract tourists. This means making the most of key assets - especially those which give a place its special character and identity – not just protecting them but looking at ways of improving the public’s experience of them. Sometimes this can be a simple matter of opening up a view from a key vantage point, such as a public highway. A strategy could be developed to identify and appraise all tourist assets in the area, to explore ways to protect and enhance these, and to provide relevant information on them for tourists. Design frameworks can be developed for areas such as town centres which make the most of their key heritage and tourist assets and also link them. This has recently been undertaken by Page\Park Architects for Milngavie Town Centre. Their proposal enhances the town centre as a whole for visitors as well as residents, including improving the setting and accessibility of the fish ladder and the ancient mill – two key assets within the town centre. It also provides a framework for new development which could include, for example, a bunk-house for West Highland Way walkers.

514 Too late, planning should protect us from negative visual impact from development but has failed, particularly in Kirkintilloch.

Develop Tourism by Improving Transport Facilities

484, 485, 599, 600 Improve access to and from the area, including by public transport. Improve access to places of interest in the city of Glasgow and the Highlands. Improve the West Highland Way.

515,600 Better parking facilities.

567 Good access and signposting to tourism assets

242 Less reliance on cars and encourage sustainable transport options.

Develop Tourism by Maintaining & Enhancing the Path Network, including the Canal, for Walkers & Cyclists

535, 485, 488, 489, 491, 549, 495, 497, 553, 554, 562, 522, 236, 259, 557, 558, 104, 462, 499,176,464,468, 479 Exploit potential of the canal & its towpath, particularly at Kirkintilloch. Provide things to do, including shopping for a day out. Promote local assets including the West Highland Way, Mugdock Country Park, Antonine Wall and Roman Bath House. Promote/ develop walking/ cycling routes in the accessible & attractive countryside. Work with key assets to show them off and promote them. Link to places of historic interest.

519 Better integrated pathways for walking/cycling and routes between towns.

545 Increase the amenity of the canal.

548

58 Make more of what we have such as the Bennie Railplane History, WHW and Canals.

551 Create specific attractions (e.g. mountain biking in Dumfries and Galloway). Better signage and care of footpaths. Better use of the canal.

212 Outdoor recreational use, e.g. walking, has a considerable economic potential Tourism, including day tourism, has the potential to generate income. The West Highland Way & the proposed International Appalachian Way (Europe) have considerable potential The Local Path Network e.g. Allander Way Access to Mugdock Country Park must be properly maintained and signed so that the visitor and local resident experience is good

572 The importance of Milngavie for tourism is underlined by the convergence in the town of regional, national, and (potentially) international long-distance routes. Currently these are the Allander Way and the West Highland Way. In future they will include the International Appalachian Trail (Europe).

544 Make better path ways.

566 Improve start to WHW

591 Eco-tourism, that is sensitive to the needs of the environment, yet providing a pleasurable tourist opportunity can be achieved, as has been done by Highland Cycling Perthshire.

Develop Tourism in the Countryside Without Compromising the Key Assets of Scenery and Heritage.

560, 529, 425, 464, 453, 479 Improve, develop & promote the scenic countryside for tourism, walking & leisure, particularly the Campsie Fells, River Kelvin & Kirkpatrick Hills.

209 Strathclyde Geoconservation’s Geodiversity Audit is an important tool for working up a Geo-tourism Plan. This would greatly enhance East Dunbartonshire’s key assets and increase interest and entertainment from geodiversity. The existing LP2 Guidance Notes list 34 Local Geodiversity Sites for protection. The Notes should be revised in the new Local Development Plan to clarify the method for assessing suitability for promotion. Strathclyde Geoconservation is working with the Council, within the Tourism Partnership.

571 East Dunbartonshire’s key natural heritage assets should continue to be fully recognised. As well as the Campsie Fells, Kilpatrick Hills, West Highland Way, Forth & Clyde Canal etc, these include the embryonic John Muir Way trail and the rural landscape generally. There is also potential for recognition and promotion of asset ‘themes’, for example a geodiversity trail(s) linking recently adopted Local Geodiversity Sites. The terms of the Tourism policies in Local Plan 2 should in general be carried forward. However, with regard to TO2, we feel that designation of a Campsie Fells Regional Park is not necessarily the best or only way of providing the required focus for planning policies. This position is based on our experience within the Campsie Fells Steering Group.

572 On the outskirts, besides the Country Park, Milngavie offers the attraction of the Victorian Reservoirs with their valuable network of all-ability paths in a tranquil setting, and which attract visitors from all over Greater Glasgow and beyond. (Numbers were estimated at

59 over 170,000 per year, ten years ago). Here enhancement calls for conservation of the heritage, most urgently the historic iron structures, and restoration of flower beds. The planning authority should collaborate with the voluntary sector to advance the vision of the community-led Milngavie Reservoirs Conservation and Recreation Plan.

446 Promote the Campsie Fells as a Regional Park.

396 Scenery and heritage are local assets and should not be under threat by a drive to develop tourism.

297 Need to protect the scenery, wildlife & environment which are used to attract tourists.

Develop Tourism by Improving Existing & New Tourism & Recreation Facilities.

586 Golf course at Kilmardinny, would tie in with Antonine Wall project.

465 The area does not have enough sites to draw tourism so tourism is not a viable proposition.

541, 295, 559,545 Improve the canal & increase its amenity. Encourage cafes, pubs and shops rather than offices or a school.

510, 529? Improve the Allander Centre.

527 A visible visitor centre near the car park (St Marys) to attract high levels of passing cyclists, walkers, canal traffic to stop. Include a shop, shelter and public toilets.

524 Cannot see the area as a tourist attraction as it has a lack of attractions and hotel space. The area is most likely to have day visits from people who are visiting Glasgow for a specific purpose.

446 Promote Canal and encourage development of commercial services.

456 Better recreational facilities.

490 Provide tourist information centres/points, particularly in libraries.

530 Better internet & broadband provision to the area’s towns to support tourism.

561. 457, 459 Improve advertising, signage etc.

484, 487, 491, 515, 497, 517, 527 Accessible public toilets are a necessity, particularly at start of West Highland Way and by canal.

60

Develop Tourism Accommodation, Eating Places & Pubs

485, 488, 538, 492, 555, 563, 521, 523,453,512,519,590 Provide a choice of places to stay. Encourage more quality and or smaller hotels. A lack of hotel accommodation is critical. Tourism is a real bonus for this area however it is undersold; there is hardly a hotel or B&B in the area.

494 Encourage Bed and Breakfast in Bearsden and Milngavie as they are at the start of the West Highland Way.

508 Provide more accommodation in Bishopbriggs i.e. travel lodge. It would be a good starting point for touring the area and close to the motorway.

539, 565, 600, 552 Improve number of eating places and pubs.

Non Planning Comments

459 Support the current events – walking, book and art fair etc.

242 Reroute the pylons on the Campsie Fells to return their natural appearance.

465 Object to waste of money putting up signs with promotional catch phrases.

297 Protect the scenery, wildlife & environment, which attract tourists, by providing countryside wardens/ rangers.

483, 504, 532, 459, 464,477 Keep the towns bright & clean, make town centres more attractive. Encourage all to help prevent litter.

502 Clean up and maintain all present walking routes – in particular railway walkway, Kirkintilloch to Milton of Campsie and link between Birdston Road and Campsie Road.

518 Keep the WHW free from litter and maintain pathways.

513, 569 Not to charge for parking.

541, 295, 559, 545? Events such as concerts, cycle and boat hire.

530 An integrated public transport ticket system, to support tourism.

242 Encourage good transport links to and from the Campsie Fells & Mugdock.

507, 529

61 More advertising of roman baths and Antonine Wall and WHW. Hotels and pubs linking in with these. Having tours set up from local businesses.

546 More focus on the history and heritage of the area e.g. Romans. More publicity of WHW and other pathways.

510, 529 Let people know what is available in the area such as sport facilities, golf clubs, attractions & other recreational & leisure facilities.

212 Access for ‘All Abilities’ should be enhanced in partnership with other organisations.

528 Identify & publicise places of interest, link with other organisations to do this & use facilities.

446 Ensure good access to existing tourist assets by public and private transport.

461 Gala or fairs more often and better advertised e.g. at Christmas, Easter. Decorate streets and shop windows more, window boxes.

517, 531, 529, 104,463 Better promotion of the heritage, natural heritage and points of interest, particularly to attract Glasgow visitors. Work with other local authorities to do this.

519 Libraries could promote east Dunbartonshire’s assets to the wider community/abroad etc.

561. 457, 459 Improve advertising.

499 How will tourism be promoted and what is there to promote? Media coverage of East Dunbartonshire is rare.

569 Keep the place neat and tidy. Promote the area actively.

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Question Ref: Question 7.1 Quality Built and Natural Environments

Question What specifically does the plan need to do to protect and improve the quality of the area (including design and environmental quality as well as increasing civic pride)?

Summary of Response(s):

Protect and Improve Environmental Quality of the Area’s Town Centres & Public Areas

546, 561, 242, 477 Maintain, jaded, town centres and attract new quality, local business/attractions. Attract younger people to the district.

574 Town centres and other defined areas can be appraised to identify key elements of their special character, identity and landscape setting, and a design framework developed to guide future development in a way that builds on these qualities.

486 Kirkintilloch is an eyesore and needs effort, thought and money to turn it around. Milngavie is the most successful of the four town centres as it is pleasant to walk in, compact with a range of things to do, although not enough.

535, 527,554,453

Come to a decision about Kirkintilloch Town Hall. Demolish eyesores such as the town hall in Kirkintilloch and the old co-op building. Reuse site for an accessible civic centre.

545 A good town hall in Kirkintilloch.

490 More landscaping, public seating areas and places to meet.

527 Pedestrianise the Cowgate.

176, 464, 495 Improve and maintain facilities, including leisure facilities in town centres

Protect and Improve the Built Heritage

567 Retain existing conservation areas.

236, 453 Preserve older buildings, in particular Burgh Chambers & museum. Meiklehill House was lost.

Protect and Improve the Area’s Design Quality

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544 Our towns need some individuality.

510, 563, 521 Improve the areas which need a facelift and make sure the quality is ok.

504, 540, 461,176 Quality should be insisted on. Control the Aesthetics’ of development. Improve buildings & streets.

503 Changes should be in keeping with the area.

533 No buildings that are too large to be in keeping with the area should be allowed e.g. a bigger Tesco or flats more than 4 stories high.

517 More visually attractive building. No town houses in rural areas like at Lennox castle. Closer monitoring of building practices. No building on swampy areas.

186 New development should be of a high quality and integrate with the natural environment. There will be opportunities across the Council area to improve natural resources through appropriate new development.

297 New build should be kept to a minimum. Where it occurs includes micro renewables, incorporate waste recycling, and attract wildlife.

459 Added value – sculpture / monument.

570, 396 Would like “high standards of design” to be defined, to include sustainable design that minimises environmental impact and contributes to ambitious national targets on reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. New buildings must follow guidance and best practice on all aspects of sustainable construction; covering land use, energy requirements, waste reduction and transport implications.

Protect and Improve the Area’s Environmental Quality Through Infrastructure & Transport

515 Build an incinerator for waste disposal and generation of power and abolish land fill. Improve facilities for disposal of hazardous waste e.g. mercury containing low energy light bulbs, radio scope containing smoke detectors, batteries and heavy metals.

536 Reduce car and lorry traffic

527, 551, 600 Improve parking, including free parking.

551,600 Improve the main & local roads & pavements.

Protect and Improve the Green Belt & Brown Field Sites

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495, 527, 523, 446,484, 425 Protect the Green Belt & maximise the use of brown field sites.

586, 587,579, 576

Plan should embrace opportunities to enhance and maintain the quality of its urban fringe and inner greenbelt through limited enabling development. It could provide new Local Nature Reserves, for example as proposed at Bellway’s Redmoss Farm.

576, 579 The need for significant levels of affordable housing will require the release of green belt land. Do not draw the inner green belt boundaries too tightly around the settlements. Only protect sites which make a notable contribution to the green belt, not simply as it has historically been green belt.

92 The green belt/ green corridors should be considered for limited development, particularly self build, and single units.

479 Stop building private housing & stop urban sprawl.

Protect and Improve the Quality of the Area’s Open Spaces & Green Networks

494,506,561, 425, 456,600,465,468, 453, 480 Open spaces should be protected & better maintained. The Roman well in Bearsden North is neglected. Maintain the small open spaces and do not allow development on these. Protect Lenzie Moss & play areas.

518, 524, 519,176,468 Protect, improve and link up a network of walkways & cycle routes, including rural paths & canals. Promote these outwith the area.

518, 468 Improve parks & create more outdoor recreation facilities. Make more parks.

212, 551 Implement the Core Paths Plan to ensure access to the path network. There needs to be adequate signage, including appropriate interpretative signage, and path maintenance in order to enable residents and visitors to enjoy the countryside. Better signage for leisure pursuits, walking, biking, WHW, canal.

571 Local Plan 2 contains ‘standard’ policy protection for designated sites, and policy NE1D provides for their promotion/enhancement, but these are not integrated with policy NE 3 which supports green network enhancement. We strongly believe that protection and enhancement of the natural environment in the Plan would benefit from a unified green network approach, which would justify a distinct Main Issue. (The main probable exceptions concern landscape areas, as discussed below.) To take account of limited public and private funding, the Main Issues Report could set out the need for prioritisation in green network policy. This would be a theme common to all scales, ranging from strategic ‘hotspots’ to local opportunities for enhancement that arise from small individual developments in combination. As a step on from the adopted Green Networks PGN, new mapping could show at least some of the aspirations for improvements in the quality and connectivity of green space. The Main Issues Report should also take a clear position on the role of: • the forthcoming Open Space Strategy in prioritising actions, not least for those open spaces owned / managed by the Council. The relative timing of development of this

65 strategy and the Plan will be important. • Integrated Habitat Network modelling in informing the prioritisation. The Plan should rationalise the Local Nature Conservation Sites network by applying equal protection and mapping to biological sites (formerly SINCs) and geodiversity sites. This would address the fact that in Local Plan 2 the latter are only mapped in the Natural Diversity Planning Guidance Note, despite them overlapping with the former in many places. It would be a small but important step in helping policy to protect and enhance the natural environment.

570 The Plan provides significant opportunities for promoting the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) and the Dunbartonshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Doing so would not only help East Dunbartonshire deliver its duty under The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 but would also contribute to delivering duties under The Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act and The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It is therefore important that the Plan supports and promotes the implementation of the DBAP and CSGN. In the first instance, the Plan should identify and safeguard key sites that will be required to fulfil the objectives of the CSGN, as described above. This will include floodplains and other sites with wetland habitat potential, for example, along the Kelvin and Lenzie Moss, thereby ensuring that the CSGN in this area delivers biodiversity objectives that compliment the features of interest of these sites, in addition to the more traditional habitats favoured by the ‘habitat network’ approach, namely woodland. Similarly, key sites for delivery of biodiversity objectives identified in the Action Plan should be protected from development.

513 Areas which flood every time there is heavy rain need to be remedied, such as the junction of Gallowhill Road and Kirkintilloch Road, the corner of Almond Avenue and Oak drive.

Protect and Improve the Area’s Natural Environment

571 Refresh the approach to the landscape designations of the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills, both highly important assets within the Central Scotland Green Network area. Review the status and boundaries of these current two Regional Scenic Areas, using the Local Landscape Designations guidance available on the SNH website. West Dunbartonshire Council & SNH are doing this for the Kilpatrick Hills. Would like to apply that experience to the Campsie Fells. This refreshed approach might justify a distinct Main Issue. In particular there is good potential for any Supplementary Guidance on the Campsie Fells to provide a guiding framework for development / projects set out in the Campsies Strategic Review & Action Plan. Tie-in with the Plans of neighbouring local authorities would be very important. The Plan is an opportunity to also review the status and protection given to the three Special Landscape Areas newly adopted in Local Plan 2. Our consultation response regarding the relevant Planning Guidance Note in Local Plan 2 emphasised the need for a robust Statement of Importance for each Special Landscape Areas. These statements could be prepared in parallel with the work recommended above for the Campsie Fells, although the differences in scale and significance do necessitate different approaches.

209 The current Local Plan 2 includes Policy NE1C covering protection of Local Nature Conservation Sites for their geological and geomorphological value. This Policy must be retained in the Plan. The term RIGS is being phased out and these sites should be re- named Local Geodiversity Sites. In addition these 34 sites should be mapped, both on a paper & electronic version. This would ensure developers were aware at an early stage of any potential threat to protected geodiversity sites. As referred to under Tourism, the Guidance Notes should be amended to clarify the scoring method for potential promotion of these identified sites. Importantly the Plan should include the implementation of a Local Geodiversity Action Plan for East Dunbartonshire, using the framework set out under the UK Geodiversity Action Plan and the examples of other Scottish authorities. Outline policy

66 and guidance is available on the website www.ukgap.org.uk

570 Include policies that minimise development on sites with natural or semi-natural habitats of conservation value and ensure that where development does take place, opportunities are maximised to deliver planning gain by enhancing and restoring habitats or using developer contributions to deliver biodiversity improvements.

572 Urban trees should be protected and extra plantings sought. They have an important role in visual amenity via the leafy quality of towns such as Milngavie, their contributions to biodiversity, air quality, climate change via sequestration of CO2 and moderation of noise. In particular, in Milngavie trees are crucial to the setting of the historic mill.

574 The quality of the area can be improved by planting more trees, and replacing those in poor condition. Appraisals should be undertaken to identify areas where new planting could be accommodated. Moreover tree protection orders should be placed on trees which contribute to the setting of our conservation areas and listed buildings, and to the amenity of our towns. (We note that the whole of Bearsden is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.) This would ensure that the amenity value of the trees is fully considered in any development proposal which might affect them. Policy NE 6 in Local Plan 2 appears to be weak and ineffective. It does not make clear that Tree Preservation Orders should be placed on trees important for amenity, such as the trees planted after the large infrastructure changes to the centre of Milngavie 40 years ago. This planting has helped to mitigate the huge impact of the raised dual carriageway on the setting of Milngavie town centre and of its most important listed buildings, thus making a vital contribution to amenity. More robust policies are therefore required to protect existing trees, as well as positive policies to promote the planting of new ones.

446 Prevent despoliation by developments associated with renewable energy.

489, 531 Ensure Council has the requisite planning & other controlling powers. The council should employ environmentalists.

Protect and Improve the Quality of the Area’s Environment - General

484 Stop the development of Tesco, as mentioned in 5.2.

526 Need a cohesive strategy. The current plans are disjointed.

560 Ensure that standards are maintained

590 We live in a great area. We must keep it an area where people want to come and live and work. Everyone has a part to play in this.

Use Public Consultation to help Protect and Improve the Quality of the Area’s Environment

591 Greater participation from communities can advantageous, but will not be achieved where they feel that a predetermined outcome has been established, or their views will not be considered. Greater transparency is required in the decision making process so that

67 contributors can understand why the decisions have been taken and the policies developed and implemented.

529 Consult with local people on plans & proposals; this has been poorly done in the past.

549, 491, 531 Involve the community more, particularly young people, to help encourage civic pride.

Non Planning Issues 528 Stop cost cutting by closing toilets.

528 Publicise historic places and events.

530 Council should fix infrastructure first time. To save money.

503, 566. 446, 530, 599 Road surfaces should be improved & maintained. More rapid repairs to damaged pedestrian ways

491, 531 Involve young people in the community. Provide a school programme to encourage civic pride.

512 Encourage residents to look after their property – especially gardens.

537 Remove concrete flower pots and replace with black metal ones which could be moved around such as the ones seen in Glasgow City Centre and expand the work carried out by Milngavie in Bloom.

542, 295, 564, 528, 499, 529, 502, 557, 529, 484,176 Keep environment & facilities, such as recreational areas, well maintained. Litter collection, & more litter bins. Address lack of civic pride, dropping litter, graffiti, breaking glass & drinking in public areas, particularly by young people.

297 Voluntary groups have too much environmental maintenance work to do.

507 Get parents to walk to school rather than clogging up roads with cars at school time.

295 Promote transport

475 Consistent brand / image to reflect the area across all 4 towns. Especially Kirkintilloch/Lenzie which appears neglected.

453 Excavate the castle site in Peel Park & publicise the Antonine Wall.

514 There is an imbalance in Kirkintilloch of money. Need to attract more with higher disposable incomes who can spend locally on trades, shops, entertainment etc.

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396 The construction of new buildings must be designed in line with guidance and best practice on use of chemicals.

Question Ref: Question 8.1 Other Issues

Question Are there any other ‘main issues’ you feel the plan should address and if so how?

Summary of Response(s):

Housing

579, 586, 587 Need a 20 year vision and should abandon the no urban expansion approach and to deliver over 2000 units of affordable housing.

583. 579 A generous housing supply requires to be established as an important instrument in addressing the significant housing land shortages.

92 There is no opportunity for single, self build plots. The Former Lennox hospital site, south entrance, provides an opportunity.

579 Delivery of significant affordable housing development must be secured.

Town Centre Retail & Regeneration

236 Improve variety in town centres

565 Retain a ‘village’ feel for the town centres and surrounding villages.

510 Safer centres at night.

527, 558 Encourage facilities to attract people into the area. A restaurant at the Canal basin to enhance its use, attract people who may stop & shop in Kirkintilloch, like Kilsyth, and attract occupiers to the vacant units. A cinema complex.

541 Improve poorly designed buildings in the Cowgate.

518 Many buildings in the centre of Kirkintilloch appear to be unused especially around the arena. Utilise existing properties.

509

69 Demolish the existing Kirkintilloch town hall and build an iconic hall with innovative design.

521 Kirkintilloch Town Hall should be used as a cinema if possible.

Business

538 Repatriation of some local authority functions from Kirkintilloch to Bearsden.

490 Keep commercial development to specific retail & business parks.

186 East Dunbartonshire should be promoted as a local authority area open for business and be a driver of sustainable economic development. It can continue to be an alternative place to live and work with the planning system assisting in the process by being a supporter of new development.

475 Encourage business as much as possible to prevent out flow to Glasgow.

Environmental Conservation & Green Belt

547 Do not build on greenbelt areas.

575 The LDP should include flexibility in its green belt policies to allow for the redevelopment of redundant business facilities in the green belt for alternative uses, including housing. Where historic facilities in the green belt are not attractive to the market, their closure will simply result in a vacant and redundant facility having a negative impact on amenity in the countryside. Its’ redevelopment for housing will ensure regeneration of the site, while also contributing to the need for additional housing, including affordable housing.

259 Remove the Green belt smallholding restriction of one dwelling house per smallholding - encourage development in these area’s and allow each case to be upheld on its own merit

209 It is important that East Dunbartonshire continues to be aware of the advantages of its significant geodiversity and consult fully with environmental bodies such as Strathclyde Geoconservation. This is a voluntary organisation with access to a wide spectrum of professional geological expertise throughout the Country. This proved effective when the Group was asked to suggest important geological sites within the proposed Campsie Fells Strategic Plan. Within a couple of weeks around 40 specific sites and 7 descriptive trails had been identified and justified.

515 Review the conservation area concept. Is it unduly restrictive?

579 Urban expansion should form a key element of the Plan.

Transport

554 Priority should be given to roads.

70 527 A walkway between Low Moss and High Gallowhill would be a good extension to Christine’s Way.

442 More walking routes & cycle paths.

600 Multi-storey car parks for rail commuters at Bearsden & Milngavie stations.

297 Address traffic congestion in Bearsden/ Milngavie, but solution is not cycle lanes, put cycles on the pavement. Kirkintilloch/ Lenzie do not have this problem.

479 Traffic bypass for Bearsden/ Milngavie.

Recreation

212 The core path network should be an evolving strategy not a one off.

General

570 We consider it essential that the Plan considers ways in which East Dunbartonshire may move towards a low-carbon economy, encompassing minimisation of resource use (including energy) and reduction of waste (including heat). In addition to large-scale renewable energy developments in appropriate locations, efforts should be made to support small-scale energy generation technologies.

590 The diverse nature of the area is what makes it attractive. Our schools area good, we are near good further education. We are near main centres of business, commerce and industry. We have good leisure facilities nearby. Keep it all going.

532 Love living in the area and encourage the Council to do their best for the area, does not want it to be like Shawlands, which has declined.

556 Should address air quality especially outside schools.

456 Existing planning consents which are draconian & dated.

176 Improve the stark inequalities across the area.

481 Encourage a more sustainable approach to waste management.

Consultation Process

484 One day workshop in Lenzie excluded working people. An evening workshop & another place could have addressed this.

486 Consult and involve young people, to give them pride in their local area and encourage

71 them to stay in it.

517 Listen to local residents more and less to developers. Consider the native population more.

526 Ask people, perhaps through the Media, what they would change in the community; what they would renew, replace or repair; what would make them proud to belong the area.

396 People must have the opportunity to play a role/ A forward thinking, joined up Local Plan is required. The LDP should be aware of the areas role in global society.

Non Planning Comments

507 Better advertising. Better links i.e. transport – tourism – hotels – inns. Then to shop for souvenirs maybe.

509 To attract people from other areas we could have Scottish dancing, pipe band championships, 5km/10km running races, swimming championships, organised walks on Antonine wall, canal events, boat shows.

517 More police on the beat.

526 Introduce a pride in the community award project to foster community pride, for the young and old.

529 Quality of care for the elderly &/or vulnerable citizens.

516, 600 Clean pavements. For example the pavements in Milton of Campsie, e.g. on Campsie Road from the cross roads going west.

459 Roads and potholes.

461 Teenagers on street corners with nothing to do, youth clubs.

600 Concerned at pressure from Big Issue sellers.

465 Do not waste money on short term decoration of the public realm, eg painting walls with designs.

Improve out of school/ school holiday facilities for primary school children, parents would be willing to pay, eg sports camps.

513 Dead trees need to be cut down to prevent accidents in stormy weather. Burns such as Parkburn need to be dredged to prevent flooding – terribly overgrown. When potholes are filled in could they be levelled instead of being raised lumps?

515

72 Provide better links between the two halves of ED. Most council departments in east half and no public transport between the two, there are problems.

212 There may well be opportunities to encourage active and healthy outdoor participation through the Legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games strategy.

538, 515 The Allander sports centre must be retained & upgraded.

494, 529 Provide pre school provision & recreational activities & facilities for young people and teenagers. For example in Bearsden.

530 Work in partnership with telecommunications to improve fibre optic to settlements. Try competitions & incentives & get commitments into the Plan.

242 Reduce deprivation & improve education.

Question Ref: Question 9.1 Site Specific Ideas and Proposals

Question Do you have any specific ideas or proposals? (Please include a location for site-specific ideas or proposals)

Summary of Response(s):

Sports, parks 490 Vacant land at corner of Kirkintilloch Road & Viewfield Road could be made into an open space.

546 ED needs a major attraction such as a zoo to encourage visitors and/ or modern sports centre.

493 The Allander proposal should include outdoor sports facilities and a partnership with West of Scotland Rugby Club and Wildcats Hockey Club. These clubs could contribute to construction & maintenance.

550 Football pitches at the old Bishopbriggs High School site.

527 A walkway between Low Moss and High Gallowhill would be a good extension to Christine’s Way.

Housing

503 – Vacant site in Roman Road, Bearsden.

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463 Affordable housing

504 – Bearsden Academy, St Andrews college and Milngavie Road (?) sites

538 Housing and transport from West of Scotland [rugby club] to Kessington.

494 Housing at Courthill at Kenilworth/ Nithsdale Crescent as little or no land would need purchased. Castlehill School should be considered if new housing is to be built.

521 Care homes at the old Co-Op building in Townhead.

259 Smallholdings - by removing the single dwelling house restrictions a number of these could be ideal self build areas, for SMALL developments, not all smallholdings have the land now available for development - look at for example in smallholder areas one dwelling house per 2 acres - this would discourage large scale development

579 Langmuir, Kirkintilloch – market and 25% affordable housing.

579 Wester Lumloch – housing

587 Dougalston Estate for housing with woodland and recreational development.

186 Brea O’Yetts to the east of Kirkintilloch. Site for up to 725 houses.

585 Craigton Woods, Milngavie for housing

575 H. Morris & Co. Ltd proposes the release of their existing facility at Campsie Glen for housing purposes, including an affordable housing contribution.

582 Saddlers Brae, Kirkintilloch. 7.8 acres. Small family housing. 60 units. Effective.

576 Bellway Homes Ltd – Scotland propose the release of their land ownership at Redmoss Farm, Milton of Campsie to provide 100% (190 units) affordable housing through a range of affordable housing tenures.

577 Site at Langfaulds, Bearsden. Proposals would include : - the provision of private houses and low cost / affordable housing on Stewart Milne and Council owned land; - integrated sports facilities (including pavilion and pitches); and - increase in the quality of the open space and range of sporting and recreational facilities.

Site at Kessington, Bearsden. Proposals would include the provision of : - a range of house types including affordable housing provision - the protection and enhancement of Templehill Wood to the south of the site - the potential for additional woodland planting to the east of the site

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Site at Craigton Road, Clober. Proposals would include : - a modern high quality golf clubhouse - revised golf course layout creating improved par 72 course - comprehensive golf practice area with driving range and parking areas - improved traffic safety / road layout - improved public transport facilities - a range of house types including affordable housing provision

Site at Birnam Crescent, Bearsden. Proposals will include a small scale housing development in addition to high quality open space and a landscape network providing usable open space to residents.

579 Taylor Wimpey proposes the release of a site adjacent the Carmelite Monastery, Waterside Road, from the green belt for housing purposes, including an affordable housing contribution. Should the Council identify such a requirement, the site could also accommodation sheltered housing.

Taylor Wimpey proposes the release of a site Waterside Road/Gartshore Road, from the green belt for housing purposes, including an affordable housing contribution. The site’s release could also include a contribution to the upgrade of the adjacent Council playing fields.

Lennoxlea.

104 Housing sites at: Bishopbriggs North & Cadder Westerhill Balmore.

578 Rezone land at Lenzie Rugby Football Club for housing, relocate existing Lenzie RFC clubhouse and redevelop and improve playing pitches. Improve the junction at Myrtle Avenue / Moss Road Lenzie and possibility of providing parking and pickup/drop off facilities for Lenzie Moss primary school.

581a Faulhead, Lenzie – Housing.

581b Claddens South, Lenzie - Housing

92 Lennoxtown Hospital Site – there are areas which can be released for housing, at South Lodge.

583 Hunter Road, Chestnut Lane and land near Old Mains Farm in Milngavie (map provided) – housing, including affordable.

457 Green eco build village in Bishopbriggs

586 Development of a 3.5 hectare site at Bearsden Golf Course for housing.

598a East of the Birnam Crescent/ Methven Avenue development and south of the B8049

75 Boclair Road (eastern edge of Bearsden)

598b South east of Bearsden. East of Inveroran Drive. Bound to the north by Boclair Academy and to the south by Templehill Wood.

Bishopbriggs 535 A cinema at Strathkelvin Retail Park

550 Train station with parking at Crosshill in Bishopbriggs.

522 Expand Strathkelvin Retail Park

236, 463 Use the old High School site for covered arcade, art gallery, parking, sheltered housing. Alternatively use it for affordable housing.

591 A redevelopment of Bishopbriggs Town Centre.

571 Of those development proposals carried forward from LP2, the most challenging with regard to the natural heritage is the Bishopbriggs Relief Road completion. The potential for significant adverse impacts on Local Nature Conservation Sites including Low Moss should be investigated at the earliest possible stage.

573 The MIR should promote Strathkelvin Retail Park as a Commercial Centre and a location for new retail development. In accordance with Scottish Planning Policy the site should be the preferred location for new retail development after town and edge-of-centre locations. Any increase of retail floor space in Strathkelvin should be supported by the Council given the economic benefits and success arising from the retail park.

463 Triangle for affordable housing

463 Westercleddens Road for affordable housing.

Bearsden 536 Proper walking pavements on Switchback Road between Canniesburn Roundabout and the first bus stop – pedestrian lights.

488 Local pub for the Kessington area, Bearsden.

543 Right of Way between 49 and 51 Drymen Road – Could provide access to St Germains Loch.

561,600 Car park multi storey car park at station. Stop commuter parking on residential roads.

564 New train station at Kilmardinny

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529 Improve shopping/ business facilities at Stockiemuir Avenue, which is an eyesore. Improve Heather Avenue Park’s car park & the lanes leading to it.

Kirkintilloch 514, 453 Kirkintilloch needs a town/ community civic hall either at the existing site or Lairdsland school site.

553 Joint campus for Lairdsland/Campsie View. Both require new builds (opposite McDonalds)

295 Cinema

526, 527, 453 Upgrade & repair buildings in the town centre and work with tenants/ factors. Kirkintilloch looks dated, eg Canopies at Cowgate and historic buildings. Council should do this for their buildings as an example, not done in the past.

526, 527 Pedestrianise the Cowgate.

527 Encourage a restaurant at the Canal basin to enhance its use, attract people to stop & shop in Kirkintilloch, like Kilsyth, and attract occupiers to the vacant units.

527 Remove the eyesores of the Cowgate & Town Hall. Use them for sheltered housing.

527 A visitor centre at St Mary’s to attract passing canal, walking and cycling traffic.

527 Use brownfield sites at Southbank & Eastside areas.

561 Car park

568 Renovate the town hall, do not demolish it.

176 Kirkintilloch, Hillhead in particular, needs support to improve & regenerate the built and natural environment as well as socio economic circumstances.

Milngavie 484 Improve the start of the West Highland Way, as mentioned for question 6.1.

537 Improve public realm outside Milngavie post office.

572 Restoration and Enhancement of Gavin’s Mill.

600 Car parking, multi storey car park at station. Stop commuter parking on residential roads.

77 297 Former council store site, small, at Crosswegate, Milngavie for a park and ride facility or a council development.

479 Library in Milngavie town centre. Open Milngavie cross to traffic.

Lennoxtown

517 There are plans for a nursing home in Lennoxtown. This should have been refused and an alternative site made available at Lennox Castle. This would cut congestion.

425 Recreation site, Bencloich Road, Lennoxtown – affordable housing for the elderly.

579 Lennoxlea, Lennoxtown for housing, 10 acres.

Other

502 Former railway lines – use for walkways and cycling tourism, including cycle hire, cafes and local info stops. Peak District a good model.

486 Outlet store on old garage site.

492 Bus depot wasteland site is a disgrace, queries park and ride. Local and wider views should be taken into account.

499 Should create centres of excellence to promote the area nationally, using good schools and community resources.

501 There should be more consideration of public opinion.

209 Strathclyde Geoconservation is currently assessing the promotional opportunities of the following LGS within LP2: Blairskaith, Linn of Baldernock, Auld Wives Lifts, Twechar Quarry. These are in addition to revision, printing and distribution of the Group’s Campsie Glen leaflet.

570 River Kelvin Floodplain - This area should also be a priority for enhancement of wetland habitats that could contribute to sustainable flood management and biodiversity objectives. The Campsie Fells are an important area within East Dunbartonshire for tourism, ecosystem services and natural resources. The hills form the catchment for water that can cause flooding further downstream. By slowing the movement of water off the hills, it could be possible to reduce the impacts of flooding. To achieve this we would advise the promotion of peat land restoration and expansion of native woodland and scrub habitats.

574 A Master plan for Milngavie should be developed, note that Page/Park have created one which could be presented to the Council.

205 Economic Development Opportunity at Badenheath (close to NLC boundary).

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456, 463 Private gym and cinema, family leisure.

463 Park and ride.

463 Small local retail & supermarket.

Non-planning Issues 515 Support local sports by providing grant and for capital development in sports clubs. Coaching and training courses and competitions could be set up.

519, 463 Major upgrade of parks as set out in other sections. E.g. glass houses, trails, wildlife park etc

461 Put swing park into Thorn Park.

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