Pressure group reforms as campaign against new homes ramps up
A determined councillor has shown no signs of relenting in his campaign to stop homes being built on woodland.
Paul Mack held a last- ditch public meeting — dubbed an ‘extraordinary advice surgery’ — as he looks to put the brakes on significant development plans for the site between Dykebar and Thornly Park.
The independent elected member for Paisley Southeast said he was “overwhelmed” by the turnout at St Andrew’s Academy, which he estimated to be around 60 people.
A decision was taken to reform a pressure group — formerly known as Paisley against P6 — under the working title ‘Save the Lungs of Paisley’. New office bearers were also elected.
Spe a k i n g a f t e r the meeting, Councillor Mack said: “I was overwhelmed by the response, given the short notice.
“There was over 60 in attendance.
Wh a t we did was reform the association, with the working title ‘Save the Lungs of Paisley’.
“I am also sending a minute to the director of planning to inform them they should be accorded the status of a statutory consultee.
“People are getting hacked off with it. The feelings are running high and everybody is saying ‘what’s going on here?’ They’re not being informed.
“The advice surgery was an unqualified success. It’s remarkable, I can’t find anyone in Paisley who supports developing on that land.”
In August, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was granted permission to demolish Hazelwood Villa, a former Dykebar Hospital building, following a vote by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.
Councillor Mack, who had attended as a member of the public, was furious after not being allowed to speak. He claimed the application had been “dogged by slight of hand”.
Earlier this month, housebuilders outlined their plans for 600 new homes on the land between Dykebar and Thornly Park.
CALA, Barratt and Bellway Homes are consulting with the public on proposals that could eventually see the arrival of a development known as Thornly Park Village.
As part of the plans, approximately 40 per cent of the 93-acre site would be retained as recreational and open space.
Only ground surplus to the current operational needs of Dykebar Hospital would be developed, meaning there would continue to be hospital facilities.
Andrew Duncan, land director of CALA Homes West, said: “We have been consulting with the community on this proposal for 18 months and have far exceeded the statutory requirements by creating a neighbourhood liaison group, holding focus groups with locals and holding three public events, which were promoted locally and advertised on social media to encourage participation. 3,000 local households received a direct invitation to attend.
“In total more than 500 people have engaged with us at events and on social media.
“We know from these conversations that there is strong support for this development – 60 per cent of the feedback forms received support the need for new homes in Paisley.
“The council has recognised the need for new homes and this site has been allocated by them, as a preferred location for around 600 homes, as part of its proposed local development plan.”