Plans to transform the Tom Johnston House site in East Dunbartonshire has been discussed by local councillors.

It has been decided that a Planning Hearing should now be held to allow the applicant, Sim Property (Whitegates Ltd), and those who are either in support or opposition of the development, to share their views.

Following this stage of the process, the application will then be determined at a full meeting of the council.

The application, which was submitted in July last year, is in relation to the site of its former headquarters in Kirkintilloch. It outlines a redevelopment of the former Tom Johnston House site, as well as the neighbouring Whitegates Industrial Estate, for a mixed-use development. The plans include a foodstore and associated development, restaurant, drive thru' restaurant, petrol filling station, day nursery, business and general industrial development, landscaping and access to the site, and car parking.

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East Dunbartonshire Council has said further information regarding proceedings will be issued in due course.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Chair of the Planning Board, said: "There are a number of reasons why it is right that this planning application is given this increased level of scrutiny, not least, because of the huge public interest it has attracted.

"The application covers a key site for their town and it is important that all parties with an interest in its future are given an opportunity to state their case to Councillors. A Planning Hearing will enable that to happen so that we have all the necessary material information to enable us to make a decision."

Thomas Glen, Director of Development and Regeneration, added that because the proposals have been viewed as a "significant departure" from the Development Plan, "and the fact that the Council has a financial interest in the application site as well as the significant number of representations received, a Planning Hearing will be held ahead of the full Council meeting."

(JP/CD)