Study blow for bid to build new homes
BUILDING homes on greenbelt land to the north of Summerston would not be appropriate, a study has found. Plans were submitted by Caledonian Property Investments last year for a “high- quality residential neighbourhood” – which could include 1000 homes – on a 220- acre site at Blackhill Road.
The land has been the subject of a feasibility study, launched after a shortfall in housing land supply was identified in 2017.
The study has found there is now a “surplus” in housing land supply.
It reported: “When considered in the context of a surplus in housing land supply, the climate and ecological emergency and the move towards a carbon- neutral city, it is concluded that additional housing should not be supported, and that the study area’s greenbelt designation should be retained.”
The council and developer agreed the planning application would not be determined until the study was complete. It will be considered when a decision is made.
More than 100 objections to the application have been submitted to Glasgow City Council, including from Patrick Grady MP, Bob Doris MSP and Patrick Harvie MSP.
Allan Gow and John Letford, both Glasgow councillors, have also objected to the application.
The study group included council officers, environmental bodies and members of Summerston and Maryhill Community Council.
Montagu Evans, representing landowner Caledonian Land, was also involved.
A council report on the study states there is now a surplus of all- tenure housing land supply in the city, meaning there is “no housing justification for development in this location at present”.
The study said additional traffic caused by the development would have a negative impact on Possilpark, Ruchill and Hamiltonhill.
It added there would be “relatively poor access to facilities and services, and this would contribute to increased car dependency”.
The applicant has described the site as an “exciting opportunity to deliver a new neighbourhood with a strong character and real sense of place”.
A new primary school would also need to be constructed if housing plans were approved.