Plans size of a village

Published 1 Apr 2010 10:50 7 Comments

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By Rosalyn Campbell

PLANS to double the size of Bishopton with 2,500 new homes have been given the green light.

Planning permission has been granted for a remediation programme and construction of a dedicated landfill facility on the site of the former Royal Ordnance factory.

The controversial decision by Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Policy Board paves the way for one of Scotland's biggest redevelopment programmes over the next two decades.

The proposed multi-million pound development by BAE Systems (Property Investments) Ltd has been met with mixed reactions by members of the community.

While local councillor Iain Nicolson is welcoming the planning permission as 'a major vote of confidence in the area's future', Bishopton Action Group have expressed concern at the proposed methods of remediation.

A spokesperson for the group said: "This Stone Age approach to decontamination puts Scotland to shame and gives Renfrewshire Council a bad name.

"Renfrewshire Council's first priority should be to protect the public rather than trying to keep costs low for BAE Systems.

"They should get in touch with the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) and find out how they managed to successfully remediate over 800 hundred contaminated buildings at the Badger munitions plant without having to resort to burning."

He called the Director's report 'extremely vague', adding: "It is obvious from the Director's report that they still do not have the level of detail required to assess the true risks of remediating the site and yet despite this they still approved the application."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "The proposals for the landfill site and remediation programme have involved extensive scrutiny by the council and the other public agencies involved to get to this stage.

"That process of regulating or monitoring those will continue as the plans and strategies are further refined before they are put in to practice."

He said that it was not valid to 'repeatedly compare different locations with very different industrial, environmental and development profiles', but added that they 'have been in touch with the USEPA and have taken account of the issues raised'.

The proposals could lead to the construction of 2500 homes, a community woodland park, and a £30 million package of new community facilities including a new primary school, community centre, health centre, sports facilities and new motorway junction off the M8.

Councillor Iain Nicolson, convenor of Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, said: "The proposed development at Bishopton will significantly boost the local and regional economy, provide housing for people who want to live in the area and act as a driver for business growth."

This article appeared in The Gazette 31 Mar 10

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Sandy Smith
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Apr 1, 10:29
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What Councillor Nicolson didn't add at the end of his statement is "...with an adverse effect on the existing village of Bishopton and create a divided community". This will happen in addition to the health risk which is reflected within the article.

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Lorna Smith
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Apr 1, 10:41
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What really annoys me most is the change in attitude by Councillor Nicolson. A few years back when Labour controlled the Council and the SNP were in opposition, Nicolson was a very strong supporter of the Bishopton Action Group and opposed the development plans vehemently. What a turn around since the SNP took control of the Council. It just shows that politics is not always what you expect! It just goes to show that you can't trust some politicians!

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Bishopton Action Group
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Apr 1, 10:45
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We note that the article states that the Council has been in touch with USEPA. It doesn't actually state what they received as a response. Why don't they make this clear as well?

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John Mackintosh
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Apr 1, 13:50
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This is a prime example of Council greed taking precedence over the welfare of residents. Renfrew council want only the increased revenue from 2500 houses, and are ignoring the potential health threat to existing communities. Any so called "benefits" will actually disadvantage the current residents of Bishopton - any new facilities will service the new development and will, therefore, be further away from the existing village.

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Donna
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Apr 2, 08:42
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I think its a shame to double the size of Bishopton - and from the sounds of it that land may not be all that great to build on. I wouldnt buy a house there.

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John McCreadie
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Apr 4, 20:25
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Can anyone think of which speculative builder might want to create this New Jerusalem in Renfrew's Green and Pleasant Land. Answers on a postcard please

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Billy Hughes
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Apr 18, 19:33
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taaaaarrrrrrd.

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