In response to the ongoing campaign to stop the proposed development of Otago Lane which local residents have objected to as it will destroy the unique character of this area of the West End of Glasgow Sandra White SNP MSP for Glasgow has questioned the Scottish Government Minister for the Environment on  what action the Government is taking to protect such areas and what avenues would be open to residents wishing to ensure that the environment will not be damaged.

In response to Ms White's question the Minister for the Environment said: "On the question of what steps the residents might be able to take to trigger an environmental impact assessment, I point out that the Scottish ministers are empowered to make directions in relation to the need for an EIA in certain circumstances. It is open to members of the public or other third parties to write to officials with information suggesting why they consider that a proposed development requires an EIA, even though neither the planning authority nor the applicant takes that view."

The Minister also reiterated the Scottish Government's commitment to protecting and enhancing green networks throughout the planning process.

Commenting on the Minister's response Ms White said: "I am glad that despite the Council's continuing refusal to undertake an assessment of the impact this proposed development will have on the environment local residents and concerned groups will now have the opportunity to ask the Government to look again at the Council's decision, and I will certainly encourage as many groups as possible to exercise this right.

"Otago lane like many other parts of the West End retains a character of rich diversity which should never be lost, The River Kelvin area and its wildlife corridors also need to be protected against unwanted and damaging development and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that Green Glasgow Flourishes."

Note:

Rural Affairs and the Environment
Wildlife Corridors

Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to improve the legal protection of wildlife corridors in the urban environment. (S3O-10814)

The Minister for Environment (Roseanna Cunningham): We have taken measures to improve the promotion and protection of wildlife corridors through the planning system. In 2009, the Scottish Government published the second national planning framework, which identifies the central Scotland green network as a national development. The aim is for a strategic network of woodland and other habitats, active travel routes, green-space links, watercourses and waterways that provides an enhanced setting for development and other land uses and improved opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural activity.

In February, the Scottish Government published the consolidated Scottish planning policy, which states that development plans should identify and promote green networks where that will add value to the provision, protection, enhancement and connectivity of open space and habitats in city regions and in and around other towns.

Sandra White: I thank the minister for her interesting reply, which I will pass on to the people who asked me to raise the question.

The minister might be aware of the proposed development of Otago Lane in Glasgow's west end, which is opposed by residents because of the effect that it will have on the character of the area and the wildlife corridor of the River Kelvin. Unfortunately, Glasgow City Council has refused to undertake an environmental impact assessment. What avenues can residents pursue to ensure that such an assessment is undertaken?

Roseanna Cunningham: The member will be aware that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits of an individual planning application. On the question of what steps the residents might be able to take to trigger an environmental impact assessment, I point out that the Scottish ministers are empowered to make directions in relation to the need for an EIA in certain circumstances. It is open to members of the public or other third parties to write to officials with information suggesting why they consider that a proposed development requires an EIA, even though neither the planning authority nor the applicant takes that view. Scottish planning circular 8/2007 provides further guidance and information. The member might wish to read that.