Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
MSP will fight EuroPark plans
Lodges a parliamentary motion against proposals
A Central Scotland MSP has lodged a parliamentary motion condemning the controversial EuroPark plans.
Conservative politician Graham Simpson is “fighting to save Woodhall and Faskine greenbelt”, saying the proposals would “all but wipe out the local woodland around Calderbank and Carnbroe”.
Developer Orchard Brae is seeking permission for 2600 homes, shops, educational and leisure facilities, restaurants, a pub, garden centre and hotel.
Mr Simpson’s motion at Holyrood comes as the Save Woodhall And Faskine greenbelt group ( SWAF) travel to the Scottish Parliament today for a public demonstration on new planning legislation and to ensure it includes an “equal right of appeal” for communities.
The MSP said: “I stated at SWAF’s public meeting that I was dead against this development, which would wipe out this stunning greenbelt; and I’m not the only one who feels passionately about protecting this woodland for future generations.
“Local medics penned an open letter in the Advertiser a couple of weeks ago condemning the move to build on the local greenbelt.
“My motion condemns the plans and congratulates SWAF on their opposition. It’s received cross-party support, apart from the SNP, which is disappointing.”
Mr Simpson added of SWAF’s recent march in Calderbank highlighting their opposition: “Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, Coatbridge MP Hugh Gaffney and I were there to offer our support and listen to the people most affected by this.
“There will now be a debate at Holyrood in which all parties, including the SNP, will have to make their views known. I intend to take the fight to save the greenbelt all the way.”
SWAF members are supporting Planning Democracy on the latter campaign’s calls to let communities challenge controversial planning decisions – and are calling for Monklands MSPs Alex Neil and Fulton McGregor to back them.
A local spokesperson said: “The finest untouched greenbelt in Monklands being sought by a developer is a situation the Scottish Government must repel; national and local policy states that this area should not be used.
“There’s no point in banning diesel cars at Chapelhall by 2020, only to move emissionsdown the road where the problem will be added to by traffic entering a proposed service station and EuroPark.
“Residents are firmly against the development here.”
I intend to take the fight all the way Graham Simpson