Glasgow City Council is preparing its next Local Development Plan – due to be published in 2014 – and has asked East Dunbartonshire Council to comment on some of the early draft content in its Main Issues Report (MIR).

East Dunbartonshire officers and Councillors have looked carefully at the MIR and while much of it meets the shared vision of both Councils there are parts, around the border, which need discussion.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the East Dunbartonshire Development & Infrastructure Committee, welcomes the opportunity to comment on proposed developments at Robroyston including wind power sites and the designation and development of a town centre.

He said: “As neighbouring Councils who both contribute to the wider Glasgow & Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan, there is always close consultation when either Council is revising its Local Plan.

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“Overall we are supportive of the report's focus on sustainability and regeneration as we recognise that maintaining a strong and viable city is in everyone's best interest. However we are asking for more information on issues which we feel could impact on either East Dunbartonshire's greenbelt, its open spaces or its town centres.”

In particular, the Council has asked for more information on:

* Plans for a proposed greenfield housing land development in the Robroyston Community Growth Area to ensure that there is no adverse visual or traffic impact on nearby East Dunbartonshire communities.

* The assessments which the City Council will carry out on two sites in Robroyston North and South which could possibly host two large wind turbines.

In addition, East Dunbartonshire Council has asked to be involved closely in investigations into the possible creation of a town centre in the Saughs Road area of Robroyston.

Councillor Hendry explained: “In preparation of our own Local Plan 2 which was adopted very recently we did everything in our power to protect greenbelt and open spaces for future generations and to ensure that development did nothing to threaten the future of our town centres.

“It is only right therefore that we maintain that level of vigilance and commitment when asked to comment on neighbouring plans which might have some impact on the things we are seeking to protect.

“In their Main Issues Report, Glasgow City Council acknowledges the need to carefully assess all proposals in terms of environmental impact and the effect on nearby communities. I welcome this commitment and look forward to productive dialogue with our City colleagues.”

(GK)