Calls for MSP to back Burnfoot as minister
A Lochwinnoch councillor has called on MSP Tom Arthur to use his new ministerial position to get green belt land in the village taken out of the Local Development Plan.
A treasured field next to Burnfoot Road has been earmarked for housing in the blueprint despite fierce protests from villagers and the community council.
The area is widely recognised as being prone to flooding and many residents have argued a large development would ruin Lochwinnoch’s character.
Renfrewshire Council agreed the site should be used for new homes back in 2019 and the move was okayed by a Scottish Government reporter earlier this year after they examined the LDP.
Despite the council now signifying its intention to formally adopt the plan, village councillor Andy Doig is continuing the fight to save Burnfoot Road.
The Independent elected member has now challenged Mr Arthur - who was appointed as minister for public finance, planning and community wealth this week - to use his powers to overturn the decision of the reporter.
Councillor Doig said:“I congratulate Tom on his promotion.
“His elevation to planning minister offers him an opportunity to overturn the reporter’s decision to keep the Burnfoot Road site in Renfrewshire Council’s LDP and I call on him to remove it.
“Tom made clear in his campaign leaflets and in the virtual hustings that he was backing the Burnfoot
Road Action Group in its campaign to stop that area being put into the housing envelope.
“Tom should also instigate a full review of the current planning system in Scotland and how it operates in relation to the creation of LDPs. For example, why do local ward councillor and community councils not get input into the deliberation of the reporter? Had this happened in Lochwinnoch much local anguish could have been spared.”
Mr Arthur said he has worked alongside disgruntled residents to strengthen their voice and has vowed to continue helping community groups with their campaigns.
But he has insisted he would be unable to change the current decision on Burnfoot Road given he has already spoken out against the plans.
The SNP Renfrewshire South MSP said:“As constituency MSP, I’ve worked closely with the Burnfoot Action Group, Lochwinnoch Community Council and residents to give them a strong voice in opposing these plans.
“I was deeply honoured to be appointed as minister for public finance, planning and community wealth.
“The ministerial code clearly sets out guidance for planning applications, and as I have strongly indicated my opposition to residential development at Burnfoot, any decisions made on this will be taken by the cabinet secretary rather than myself.
“I will continue to represent the views of the community as the local MSP and I look forward to working with local groups and residents as we go forward.”