Garden transformation plan is pitch perfect

A disused football pitch will be transformed into a community garden under fresh plans.

Linstone Housing Association has been granted permission to overhaul the all-weather park in Linwood.

It wants to bring the space back into use with room for growing flowers and vegetables.

Renfrewshire Council planners backed the scheme and revealed the decision in a report.

It stated:“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of an all-weather football pitch to a community garden and growing ground.

“It is on an area of land on the edge of Linwood town centre.

“The pitch is currently surrounded by a wire mesh-type cage.

“The surface is in poor condition and overgrown with weeds and small shrubs.

“It is not considered that the proposed use would have any detrimental impact on the area, in terms of amenity.

The proposed use is unobtrusive and would not generate noise or air pollution.”

The garden would replace the pitch in the shadow of two tower blocks.

Council chiefs have called for investigations to be taken before work can start.

A report must outline the extent of any soil, water or gas contamination at the site.

Any work to correct problems found must also be flagged-up.

Planners say the park near Hart Street is in a state of disrepair and have given the green light to regeneration plans.

Similar community gardens have been implemented in Paisley.

West End Growing Grounds has opened a new garden on the town’s Underwood Road.

It moved to the plot after its former space in nearby Sutherland Street was earmarked for redevelopment.

Managers say popularity has surged since work started at the new allotment.

Fay Potts, of WEGGA, hailed the move.

She said:“This is a much better venue.

“I have met a lot of people I would otherwise not have encountered, including people of other nationalities.

“Weekends are particularly interesting.

“People bring food, cake, tea and coffee and we sit over in our little seating area.”