Plans for North Kelvin Meadow '˜called in' by ministers

SCOTTISH Ministers have '˜called in' controversial plans to build flats in a popular Glasgow meadow.

Campaigners at the former public playing fields, which they believe should be kept as a community site and not built on.

Plans to develop 90 flats on North Kelvin Meadow and children’s wood in the city’s west end have been met with backlash.

Ministers will now be left to make the final decision as to whether plans will go ahead.

Councillors who visited the former Clouston Street playing fields last month gave the project the go ahead but in the latest development, it has now been referred to the Scottish Government.

A reporter from the Department of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has been appointed to investigate the potential impact the loss of the green space would have and whether the project conflicts with planning policies.

The land is currently used by schools, nurseries and playgroups as well as locals engaging in outdoor learning.

A community group who are opposed to the plans have said that they will be requesting a public inquiry.

6,000 people have signed a petition to save the space with various high-profile names supporting the campaign including comedian Frankie Boyle, Franz Ferdinand drummer Paul Thomson and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers have called in the application.

“Scottish Government officials have written to advise Glasgow City Council of this and the council is now required to refer the application to Scottish Ministers.

“Scottish Ministers will make the final decision on this case following the submission of a report and recommendations from a DPEA reporter.”

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