Scottish Ministers have dismissed an appeal against a decision to reject plans for new housing on greenbelt land in East Dunbartonshire.

Persimmon Homes proposed building a number of homes on land at Wester Gartshore Road, Waterside Road in Kirkintilloch.

However, the application was refused by the council's Planning Board as the 6.5-hectare site is designated as greenbelt land in the council's Local Development Plan.

In addition, members determined the application would have an adverse impact on landscape, biodiversity and the greenbelt, while objections were also submitted by a local resident and Gartconner Primary Parent Council.

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Following an appeal by the developer to the Scottish Government, a Reporter for the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has dismissed the appeal and upheld the Board's decision.

The Reporter said: "The proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission."

Cllr Billy Hendry said: "This is excellent news for East Dunbartonshire and clearly demonstrates that the Council has a robust greenbelt policy which we will continue to protect and defend.

"The decision vindicates the Board's united stance to refuse permission - based on planning policy and in particular concerns over inappropriate development in the greenbelt, biodiversity and landscape issues.

"The proposal was contrary to the new Local Development Plan and potentially paved the way for more applications to build on greenbelt sites, so I'm delighted that the Scottish Government Reporter has dismissed the appeal."

(LM/MH)