Ron McIntosh    (co-optee)

3. 1. Introduction.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30prn approximately and welcomed the large turnout of residents. He confirmed that this was a special meeting to review progress since the regular monthly meeting on 21st February 2001. Copies of Minutes of that meeting, and of the informal meeting of COMCIL and a resident with Cllr McCann on 1st March 2001, and of the Meeting of COMCIL with Mr. John M Smith representing RPS Chapman Warren on 20 February 2001, were all available for everyone at the Meeting.

3.2 Campaign Status.

The Chairman briefly reviewed the history of the EK Local Planning for Thorntonhall leading to the current campaign against the proposed housing development on Greenbelt land between Braehead Road and Peel Road. Over 300 copies of the SLC Representation Form on which any objections to (or support for) EKLAP (East Kilbride Local Area Plan) have to be made, had been delivered along with copies of Peel News (No.21 February 2001) setting out the present situation and campaign plans. The aim had been to reach all households in Jackton and Thorntonhall with their respective forms and individual grounds for objection. Each resident adult is eligible to make such "representation".

There had been about an 80% response, with more completed forms still coming in.

3.3. Campaign Funding.

In accordance with the resolution at the meeting of 70 residents on 17th January 2001, that residents would be invited to contribute equally to a campaign fund, such an invitation was included in the Peel News No.21. The sum suggested therein was £50 per household, although some suggestions for a higher sum (£50 per head) had been made at the COMCIL meeting on 21st February 2001, attended by 35 residents. The response to the invitation had been very high, and funds received are expected to be sufficient to cover expenses and Planning Consultant's fees for the submissions and argument of our case (Stages 1 & 2). It was overwhelmingly agreed by a show of hands that a special bank account be opened.

3.4. Communications.

Within the Jackton and Thorntonhall community, a core group of volunteers have visited nearly every household, revisiting them when first visits found residents away or not yet ready. Communications with the Press, local MSP and Environmental Heritage and Human Rights Organisations have continued and have produced much encouragement and advice.

4. EK LOCAL AREA PLAN (EKLAP) & COMCIL GREENBELT CAMPAIGN.

4.1 Presentation by Planning Consult

The Chairman introduced Mr. John M Smith, Planning Consultant and Operational Director of RPS Chapman Warren, Glasgow, who is representing Jackton & Thorntonhall residents in their respective objections to EKLAP, and Ms Claire Semple, assistant to Mr. Smith. John Smith explained that his objective was to ascertain opinions and requirements of COMCIL and residents, and to summarise his first draft of the representation to SLC.

Objections would refer to -

	Strathclyde Structure Plan, approved 1995,
	Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan 2000, which was still under review.
	South Lanarkshire Planning Policy document.
	East Kilbride Local Plan (1st Alteration. Greenbelt Review Sept. 1995)
	EKLAP, under current review, in particular the "Final Draft" document, tabled in early February 2001, and requiring representations to be made by 19th March 2001.

Policies therein are defined by headings. Those relevant to Greenbelt include:

NPPG 1, NPPG 3, AG 1, GB 1, GB 2;

RES 1, RES 1A, RES 3, RES 5, RES 7;

ENV 1, ENV 2, ENV 6, ENV 18;

DEV 14, DEV 15, DEV 23;

E 2, LR 2 STRAT 1 and 2, and Advice Notes PAN 36, 47 & 49.

The objections will submit that the developments in Jackton &Thorntonhall are contrary to SLC's own policies in its own structure plans as listed above; that they are detrimental to amenities and quality of life; that they create unacceptable precedents in infringements of Greenbelt and also of Prime Class 3.2 agricultural land; that they destroy defensible boundaries to urban encroachment of the countryside.

Mr. Smith quoted from SLC policy statements to illustrate the arguments and said that the history of the proposals for Thorntonhall suggested that they were more concerned with generating financial resources than with meeting the stated priorities of SLC development (low-cost housing, schools, roads, health).

We are at present in the "formal consultation" period for EKLAP, which is to be completed by 19th of March 2001, and time for modifications is allowed until May ( possibly June /July) 2001. If agreement between objectors and SLC is not reached, there may be a Public Inquiry extending to the end of 2001, beard by a Reporter. The Reporter, under current practices, would be appointed by, and paid by SLC, and SLC is not bound by the Reporter's conclusions. However the Reporter has to respond to the objections. It is possible that there may be changes in the system to ensure the "independence" of the Reporter. All parties would prefer that issues be resolved before reaching the Public Inquiry Stage. Further modifications to the development plans may be made on the basis of the Public Inquiry.

4.2. Question and Answer Session

	Regarding possible resurrection of proposals in the event of successful objections: Local Plans are reviewed every 5 to 10 years, and applications can be re-submitted where it can be shown that the grounds for the original objections have been removed.
	Alternative sites for development: our submission will suggest other less sensitive areas, bearing in mind the high quality of the agricultural land in Jackton and Thorntonhall. No other sites in Jackton and Thorntonhall are shown in EKLAP.
	Defensibility of boundaries: NW Boundary in Thorntonhall is along the farm road and breaks the skyline, thus opening up further development beyond. SLC planners said on 8th March 2001 that trees may be planted to preserve the skyline, but this would reduce the area for house plots.
	It was agreed that our objection would not offer any compromise, unless it might otherwise be totally rejected.

4.3. Next Steps

	John Smith would provide draft of objection based on his presentation at the meeting, in time for COMCIIL's Q & A session with SLC, due to take place in EK on the following evening (8th March).
	John Smith would submit final draft of formal objection before end of week.

5. AOB

5. 1. See under 3.3. Approval to open a bank account entitled "J & T Greenbelt Campaign Fund" was granted.

6. Next Meeting.

6.1 8th March 2001: COMCIL / SLC (- see 4.3 above).

6.2. Scheduled meetings-

March 21st

April 18th

May 16th

June 20th

The Chairman closed the Meeting at about 9.00pm with thanks to all attending, and to Mr. Smith and Ms Semple.

 

Signed   ................................

R lain Gardner, Chairman

 

LEGEND

 

COMCIL            Jackton & Thorntonhall Community Council

SLC                 South Lanarkshire Council

EKDCPP            East Kilbride & District Crime Prevention Panel

EKDACC            East Kilbride & District Association of Community Councils

GSO                 Glasgow South Orbital (Eaglesham ByPass)

EKLAP               EK Local Area Plan