MSP: Transport choices ‘sidelined’

There have been calls for people to be given a role in shaping investment policies for transport options over the next 20 years.

Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell wants communities to be given a role in the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).

In the Scottish Parliament he asked Transport Secretary Michael Matheson why a survey on STPR2 was being run over the Christmas period and called for people to be given an opportunity to meaningfully shape the outcome of the review.

STPR2 is part of a Scotland-wide relation to this opinion - which is of course an opinion - that would lead us to effectively rip up our policy? If it’s so unlawful in the first place, surely it would have been challenged previously.”

Councillor Gibson moved to defer the application for more information to be sought on the legal opinion but failed to find a seconder.

Five comments had been submitted along with five objections. The main concerns included insufficient off-road parking for staff and visitors.

However, roads officials had no objections subject to conditions being put in place, and that a transport statement had been submitted by the applicant along with an increase in proposed off-road parking from 12 to 16 spaces.

Stirling Area Access Panel had also objected, raising a number of issues relating to suitability for people with disabilities including parking and drop off arrangements, lack of detail, and undersized toilet spaces.

Planners said disability/access matters relating to building standards – such as powered doors, toilets, hearing loops and fire proofing of the lift – did not fall within the scope of the application.

Councillor Jeremy McDonald asked for clarification as to disabled access and safe parking, adding: “It would seem incredulous to build a care home that didn’t have that stuff anyway. Surely that’s the point of building it.”

Planning officer Iain Jeffrey agreed, saying: “It would be madness not to

...quite monumental in quite a small suburban area Cllr Neil Benny

appraisal of transport options and is intended to inform investment priorities for the next 20 years.

Mr Ruskell said: “This transport review is hugely important as it will set the plan for major projects like road and rail for the next decade. I’m concerned that much of the consultation thus far has been between councils, industry and transport consultants, the experiences and views of communities are being sidelined.

“Pushing through an online consultation over Christmas is playing lip service to the needs of communities, but I encourage everyone with a view on how they want their transport choices include it.”

Following a request from Councillor Neil Benny, the panel agreed that electric vehicle charging points should also be included in conditions attached to the consent.

Councillor Benny also sought assurances about the scale and design of the proposed building saying it had the potential to be “quite monumental in quite a small suburban area”.

Mr Jeffrey said: “It is set back 29 metres from the nearest residential property. It will be a lot bigger than the little clubhouse is just now but it won’t be out of keeping with the area.”

Among other conditions attached to the consent, recommended by council planners, is that the company should pay a financial contribution of £3,761 towards the City Transport Plan and double yellow lines be placed in part of Randolph Road.

The former Livilands Bowling Club closed earlier this year after its once thriving membership of 120-140 players dwindled to only 36 registered members. It had originally opened in 1910, moving to the site in 1976. to be supported in the years ahead to respond by January 10.

“We are in a climate emergency and yet many communities are disconnected from the rail network and face poor bus services with a road network that is poorly maintained and discourages people from cycling and walking. People in Stirling have long suffered from unreliable buses, overpriced rail travel and cycling rates in the city remain low. Frustrated communities deserve to have their voices heard.”

The current consultation can be accessed at https://www.snapsurveys. com/wh/s.asp?k=157477907343