Speak to us on future of Bishopbriggs...
controversial plans to build a massive new supermarket in Bishopbriggs town centre must involve the community.
That’s the view of East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson.
Morrisons supermarket chain recently bought the site of the former Bishopbriggs High School and planning permission is in place for a 64,000sq ft store.
Local residents want to have their say on the plans, but feel they are being ignored by Morrisons.
Ms Swinson said: “It is extremely discouraging that local residents groups have encountered such difficulties in discussing the proposed Bishopbriggs store with Morrisons.
“There are legitimate and serious concerns within the community about how this development will impact on the character of the town, and levels of traffic and pollution, which the supermarket plans need to address.”
Ms Swinson and planning chiefs from East Dunbartonshire Council are set for a face-to-face meeting with Morrisons bosses this Friday, March 25 - but Bishopbriggs community groups have been locked-out of the talks.
She added: “It is vital that residents are included in this process, and the three-month consultation period must provide a meaningful opportunity for the community to be heard.
“I am meeting with Morrisons again this week and will be seeking a meeting with those designing the consultation process in order to stress this point.”
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said: “We fully understand the importance of the local community’s opinions and officers ensured this principle was reflected within the Section 75 Agreement for the development.
“Officers will again stress to Morrisons the importance of ensuring the public’s full and active participation.”
A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “Morrisons has arranged to meet representatives of the council and Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, before the end of March to discuss the planned development of a new store to replace the existing
Morrisons in Bishopbriggs.
“In the meantime, Morrisons will continue to work through all statutory processes and once we have completed these we will engage with the local community.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
