Sports hall facing oblivion?
CONFUSION surrounds the fate of an £800k sports hall in Bishopbriggs.
Muse Developments submitted an outline planning application in May to transform Bishopbriggs town centre as part of a 32million project.
The proposals included the option to keep the former Bishopbriggs Academy sports hall after residents opposed to it being knocked down.
A campaign group was asked to come up with a business plan to run the hall as a community facility.
Earlier this week East Dunbartonshire Council confirmed that the developers have had to withdraw the option to keep the sports hall.
However, a spokesperson for Muse denied this was the case.
Donald Macdonald, a Bishopbriggs community councillor, said: "It's my understanding that Muse was told they can't have two options for the site and have chosen to withdraw the plans for the sports hall.
"It's a shame if all the work the campaign group has been doing goes to waste."
Ruth Box, who leads the campaign group, said: "I have not heard anything from Muse about this. I'm disappointed that we haven't been notified.
"However, our priority is still to get the business plan finalised."
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson, who is backing the campaign, said: "I am extremely concerned that we are getting different messages about this application.
"I am calling on Muse to clarify their position. I would also urge everyone in the local community who doesn't want to see the sports hall demolished to write to the council by the September 2 deadline and make their views heard.
An East Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: "The outline planning application included two options, one to retain the sports hall and one without.
"Developers were advised that only one option could be included with the application.
"They have since withdrawn the section that has the retention of the hall."
The spokesperson added that, as it is an outline application, changes can be made before full planning is sought.
As the Herald went to press, a spokesperson for Muse Developments said nothing had been withdrawn from the application.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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