SNP guilty of serious gaffes in planning

Dear Editor, In her letter to the Observer (October 11, 2017), Gill Christie implores us not to blame the SNP for bad development decisions.

She accepts that the small man has no say in Scotland but believes that it is naïve to hold the SNP to account for bad planning decisions.

Really? The SNP has shown a level of competence in the governance of Scotland unmatched since the inception of devolution but they have been in power a long time and if they are not responsible (contrary to Ms Christie’s view) for overall control of planning in Scotland then, who is?

Ms Christie makes a valid point regarding corporate power and influence. However, the SNP and Scotland are no more susceptible to those pressures than any other political party or nation.

Nevertheless, in the area of planning and development the SNP is guilty of serious gaffes.

One of the worst was the overruling of an Independent Reporter who came down on the side of objectors (the small man) at Park of Keir. That was outrageous and I could cite several other examples but I am more concerned about the upcoming planning application for a crematorium at the former hospital site at Bannockburn and how Scottish Ministers’ actions are making this possible.

Prior to creating the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill, committees and a review group were set up by the Scottish Government to consider and update regulations applicable to burials and cremation.

One aspect given consideration was the location of new crematoria development in communities that was regulated by the 1902 Cremation Act.

The terms of that Act imposed restrictions on proximity of housing and highways to proposed crematoria. Those restrictions applied to the site at Bannockburn.

The overwhelming majority of respondents, including crematoria operators, to the Ministers’ requests for comments and advice, advised that the restrictions should be retained.

They agreed to do so but then reneged on that assurance.

They have now gone even further with regard to Bannockburn as vendors in an alliance with a private developer – who all along has had preferred bidder status - in a joint planning application.

That amounts to political shenanigans of the worst kind, a clear conflict of interest by Ministers who could be accused of trying to influence a planning decision or have the final say in the planning process and have shown that they are quite prepared to overturn independent adjudication and trample over the concerns of communities.

John Fowler, Benview, Bannockburn

The Observer’s vocal Facebook following had their say on news that VisitScotland is to close its tourist information centres in Callander and Tyndrum.

VisitScotland say the iCentres in both areas have seen a dramatic decrease in footfall and would be closing their doors as a result – with more emphasis being placed on digital and mobile communications.

As part of their strategy, existing centres at Stirling’s Old Town Jail and in Aberfoyle will be turned into new regional hubs.

Responding to the news, Tom Wardlaw commented: “Further casualties of the internet. Online booking and in particular booking.com are taking so much money out of the industry and adding no real value. Sad.”

Niall Annan added:“Very disappointing.TheTyndrum office isn’t that old as well.”

Jennifer Anne Blair believes the closures will spell trouble for Callander and Tyndrum. She posted:“The rural communities will suffer from the closures of the information stations.”

Faye Marshall commented: “Shocking. Where do the tourists go?”And Beth Boyd added:“Short sighted.”

Julian Woods doesn’t seem surprised by the news, however, posting:“The internet is now a greater resource.”

Also generating much debate and discussion on the Observer’s Facebook page was our story about the plans to replace a footbridge over the A9 Burghmuir Road with a new crossing and ramp into the £35 million Stirling Care Village.

Don Ritchie shared his thoughts on the news, posting: “Absolute waste of money. The bridge is rarely used and building an elderly care village won’t change things.”

And John Templeton added: “Hope it’s not done when Kerse Road is shut and they start working on the replacement bridge due to the railway electrification.”

John Buchan posted:“Why was this not done years ago if it is needed? Much less traffic than there used to be with half of Viewforth moving out and half of SRI moving to Larbert.”