East Dunbartonshire Council is moving forward with a major infrastructure project in Bishopbriggs after the Planning Board granted permission for the construction of the Westerhill Development Road (WDR), previously known as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road.

The approved application covers 2km of new or upgraded carriageway and associated works, connecting the existing Westerhill Road to the A803 Kirkintilloch Road. The new route will link the upgraded Torrance and Lochgrog Roundabouts and will involve replacing a section of Crosshill Road.

The WDR is a central part of the Council's City Deal Place and Growth Programme, a £44.34 million scheme supported by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The project's primary aim is employment-focused, intended to unlock strategic business sites within the Westerhill Regeneration Area Masterplan to create more jobs and divert non-essential traffic away from Bishopbriggs town centre.

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Council Leader Councillor Gordan Low confirmed that securing planning consent is a vital step towards securing the necessary external funding. He noted the dual benefits: boosting the local economy through increased access to strategic business sites, while reducing congestion and helping to alleviate air quality issues in the town centre.

The project, which is scheduled for overall completion in 2027/28, also incorporates:

Sustainability Measures: Environmental mitigation features such as wildlife passages, extensive planting, acoustic fencing, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Active Travel: A new route dedicated to walking, wheeling, and cycling, alongside provision for future bus stops.

Heritage: The route uses part of a former RAF Bishopbriggs barrage balloon depot (now brownfield land), with measures in place to preserve any archaeological remains and install interpretation boards.