DEVELOPERS have now submitted plans to build up to 2600 homes on green belt land near Calderbank. They’ve hired smooth-talking PR people to put out the message that they will deliver some kind of green oasis.
Don’t be fooled.
As you know, I have been helping campaigners who want to enhance the existing Woodhall and Faskine estates. I care so much about this area that I recently attended a litter pick there and it is amazing what is dumped.
On Tuesday this week I chaired a public meeting on the application, in Calderbank. I am urging residents from across the area to oppose planning application 18/00890/PPP – which will see not only homes but many roads, a petrol station and retail outlets in place of open space and woodland.
This is not ‘nimbyism’ but a vital part of protecting our natural heritage. Whilst we must build homes, these homes should be built on land designated for this purpose; not built on land specifically designated as green belt. If we bulldoze over any piece of green belt then what is the purpose of designating the land in the first place.
As the species champion for the holly tree, I care strongly for the woodland across our nation and I am dedicated to fighting to protect our precious green belt. The community is leading the important fight to save this natural heritage.
The public meeting was held last night and I hope the wider community takes due consideration of the impact this development would have not only on the local area in general but on the destruction of vital green space in particular.
North Lanarkshire Council itself states that “the purpose of the Green Belt is to protect the setting of communities, support regeneration by directing growth to urban areas, protect natural assets and provide a high quality environment”.
This planning application is in direct contradiction to this statement.
I very much hope that North Lanarkshire Council rejects it. The applicants could then appeal to the Scottish Government and who knows what could happen then.
Watch this space.