Controversial park vent stack given green light
COUNCIL bosses have passed plans to build a controversial vent stack in a Glasgow park.
Residents and local representatives objected to the creation of the infrastructure in Queen’s Park, forcing Scottish Water to withdraw its initial planning application and submit a separate one.
But this second application, for a 28ft tower in a different part of the South Side green space still drew criticism of locals.
Glasgow City Council, however, has now given the scheme the green light.
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Scottish Water’s planning application for the ventilation stack in Queen’s Park has been approved by Glasgow City Council.
“We have listened to community concerns and the approved location means the ventilation stack will be located even further from residential properties than first planned.”
The plan saw objections from local MP Alison Thewliss, city councillor Soryia Siddique, Shawlands and Strathbungo community council and five members of the public.
Concerns raised included a smell from the ventilation stack, despite Scottish Water stating that the structure would not create a smell of sewage.
Scottish Water is building a three-mile long waste water tunnel under the south of the city between Queen’s Park and Craigton industrial estate.
It travels underneath Pollok and Bellahouston parks and is designed to improve water quality in the River Clyde and reduce flooding at various flood spots around the city. The spokeswoman added: “The ventilation stack is required as part of the £100 million Shieldhall Tunnel project, to enable air to enter the tunnel and filtered air to leave it.
“We’re pleased to be progressing with this project which will improve Glasgow’s river water quality, tackle flooding and enable the city to develop.”
In August last year, a planning application for the vent stack in a different spot in the park resulted in 43 letters of objection and saw Scottish Water bow to pressure and withdraw the plan.
The new scheme involves a vent stack on a different site in Queen’s Park and a new access road leading to the shaft and odour control plant, which will be built in a park storage area around 100 metres to the west of the park’s bowling greens.
Local councillor Soryia Siddique said: “Despite some objections from the local community, permission has been granted for the 28ft tall vent stack to progress in Queen’s Park.
“In light of some of the concerns raised, I will continue to engage with the local community and take forward concerns.
“It is important that the local air quality is monitored and protected.”