Jordanhill plan is passed despite residents’ anger
A SCHEME to build more than 400 homes on the former Jordanhill Campus has been given planning permission despite local protests.
There were scenes of fury yesterday at Glasgow City Chambers as the more than 100 residents who turned out to hear the decision were kept from the debating chamber.
Only 14 residents were allowed in while the decision was taken, despite them asking for the hearing to be postponed until a larger room could be found.
Councillors voted 12-2 in favour of the development, which housebuilder CALA Homes said would attract more than 1000 residents and annually would raise an extra £1.3million in council tax.
Addressing the residents in the foyer of the building, Councillor Glenn Elder, chairman of the Planning Applications Committee, rejected suggestions that the meeting should be postponed until a bigger venue could be found.
He said: “I am terribly sorry that we just don’t have a big enough room available and I have sympathy for those who can’t get in.
“Believe me this application has consumed my life – day and night – for the last six weeks. There has been so much interest from various parties that I’m sure we could have half-filled the SECC.
“The meeting has to go ahead today but please trust me that the matter will be dealt with fairly and in an even-handed manner.”
However, Jordanhill resident Andrew Robertson declared: “It’s ridiculous to suggest there isn’t a big enough venue to accommodate the people who came here today.
“If they knew there was going to be such a big turnout why didn’t they plan accordingly and hire somewhere bigger.
“Some people have probably taken time off work to be here so I feel very sorry for them.”
Resident Gordon Wilson added: “This shows a total disregard for the people of this city who pay their council taxes and who want to see democracy in action. For only fourteen people to be allowed in is a joke – the city council should be ashamed of themselves.”
A council source said the meeting was held in the committee room with the “largest amount of public space of any such room in the City Chambers”.
Almost 900 objections were lodged with the council with residents demanding the development should be scaled down as well as offering a lasting legacy to the community.
Jim McIntyre, managing director, CALA Homes (West), said: “We’re pleased the planning committee has approved our proposals. We’re confident our plans will deliver a fantastic new residential development.”