Blog Posts

With the coming of spring and some pleasant weather,   just a little of the despondency displayed in our last newsletter has lifted. (see below)

Duntiglennan Fields
At the WDC planning meeting on 26th March, the planning committee unanimously voted NOT to accept the Local Development Plan examination report submitted by the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA). This report was returning the ‘Duntiglennan Fields ‘ back to a housing opportunity site for up to 100 houses and the committee want the status reversed back to ‘Green Belt’ which was what the hard fought battle was about and what we thought had been achieved in the earlier stages of the plans progress. Perhaps all this hassle could have been avoided if the WDC officials had not suggested the site for housing in the first place but we would suppose they do take cognisance of the desires of the owners and potential developers. It was obvious from the opposition to the proposed removal of the sites from green belt at the previous plan’s formation five years ago that this was a contentious issue. The reporter on that occasion ruled against housing. Has green belt land now become a ‘land bank’ for speculators knowing it will eventually be released for housing at future revisions of the local plan?

   In a similar situation, also in Hardgate, the planning department recommended housing in the former mill dam despite having previously declared it part of a riverside wildlife corridor. There was also opposition to this from residents, Clydebelt and planning committee councillors but was also pushed through by the DPEA. The site is now lying as an eyesore, destroyed and derelict after the developers pulled out after having started the ground works.
What the next episode of the Duntiglennan saga will be, we do not know, but Provost Douglas McAllister says he had taken legal advice before putting the motion for the council not to accept the DPEA report with regards to the Duntiglennan issue only.

Report from Public Meeting No 1 Charrette - 11th-14th February
…..“The Scottish Government has selected Clydebank town centre for a major locally driven
design charrette….. the fundamental aim is to involve local residents, business and stakeholders in planning the future of the town centre. A charrette is an intensive consultation that engages local people in the design of their community……..Planning and design workshops will be held in the Clydebank Town Hall over a four day period… when the public, designers and specialists will be working together, ‘hands on’, to prepare a long term vision, development framework and action plan for Clydebank Town Centre with the ideas translated into plans and drawings….”
This charrette was only originally to discuss Clydebank town centre which is now seen as only the Shopping Centre. The few oldies that turned up at the general public session perhaps convinced the enthusiastic and receptive young planners appointed by the Scottish Government, that Bankies considered the town centre should include the area around the Town hall and Library. Unfortunately our council leading officials are hell bent in destroying any semblance of a civic centre in Clydebank by closing the council offices at Rosebery Place, having previously priced local organisations out of the town hall. Our local museum has been replaced with a gallery mostly concentrating on art exhibitions from outwith the area and not showing the archaeology, history and artefacts of the local area which should be its main purpose.

Clydebank Re-built went through the same forum process nearly ten years ago; not just a couple of hours but over very many sessions and yet our young planners seemed not to have heard of it and no one seemed to know where all the information and ideas gathered then went. I am afraid we have seen and heard it before and have been waiting over 70 years since the blitz for some decent town planning. Don’t hold your breath for anything like a coordinated plan for the centre of Clydebank to arise from this.

There will be a further meeting to show the conclusions of the charrette shortly.
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/planning-building-standards/clydebank-town-centre-design-charrette/
A similar charrette was held in Dumbarton focusing on the Castle Rock and surrounding areas and we hear there were many positive suggestions which were favourably received
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/planning-building-standards/dumbarton-rock-charrette/

Report from Public Exhibition No2- January 22nd
This was held in the Clydebank College when agents for the developers showed plans for the possible development of Queen’s Quay (former John Brown’s shipyard). These were only indicative of what might be and opinions sought. Basically four storey flats would front along a riverside walkway with lower density housing with gardens, in the streets towards Dumbarton Road, This possibly would maximise the sales value by building what is currently the type of property in demand. Is this really the site for suburban type housing? Around the fitting out basin could be shops/cafes/ pubs /hotel, office space etc., with a small supermarket towards Glasgow Road. No indication of public open space provision, children’s play areas or a civic square to the south of the Town Hall as were in the suggestions once proposed by Clydebank Re-built. There is the possibility of new council nursing home and Health Centre nearer to Dumbarton Road. The meeting was not well attended and was not connected in any way with the above meeting on ‘Clydebank town centre’

Public Meeting 3
A meeting organised by Old Kilpatrick Community Council in January led to subsequent meetings and a group , several of whom take part in the Sunday litter picks at the Saltings are in the early stages of forming a community volunteers group.

Old Kilpatrick Community Group
It all began with litter picking in Lusset Glen and the Saltings, carried out by some local and not-so-local individuals. Then, Sandra Anton (Community Engagement Ranger), told us about some greenhouses that might be used by a community group. With her support and that of Linda Adam, (Community Greenspace Officer), three meetings have been held at the Napier Hall, and a group of local volunteers interested in enhancing the village has emerged, focusing on the environment (e.g. litter issues), local history and archaeology (e.g. Antonine Wall), and horticulture (e.g. flowers to brighten up the village spaces).

Although it is still early days, good progress is being made and plans are being formulated. The name, aim and objectives of the group are still to be finalised, and a more detailed report will be made at that time.

It is hoped to hold a Community ‘Launch Day’ on Saturday 20th June. More details to follow!

Clydebelt’s 25th Anniversary
It will be 25 years since Clydebelt was formed after 400 people attended a public meeting in Trinity Church to oppose a massive planning application along the whole face of the Kilpatricks from Gavinburn to Edinbarnet. Proposed was an exclusive leisure estate with golf courses and club houses, hotels, artificial ski slope, riding establishments, rural/rare breeds centre, corporate training and conference centre, parking for 2500 cars, new roads, etc.

We are intending to hold some kind of an event/buffet on the 13th or 14th November- save the dates: more precise details to follow.

History Ramble at Cochno/Edinbarnet/Auchnacraig Wednesday 6th May 7.00 pm
As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations we will have a short walk showing the varied history /natural history of this area.
Druid and ring stones, bleach field, water powered sawmill, Lady’s Linn, Graveyard, stately country houses and bluebells.
Meet in the Auchnacraig car park on Cochno Road. As the ground can be rough, steep in a few places and wet, appropriate footwear is required.    And also

Walk to the Jaw Reservoir    Thursday 7th May 7.00pm
Circular walk of about 3 miles through Cochno and Edinbarnet estates to the Jaw Reservoir. Again from Auchnacraig car park.
For both please book and obtain any other details from Sam Gibson Tel 01389872490 or email

Hardgate Knowes- Clydebelt clean up- Sunday 19th April 10.00am – 2.00pm
Once again we are having what has become an annual clean up on Hardgate Knowes. Meet at the car park behind Whitehills Hotel (opposite Tesco) at Hardgate roundabout; equipment supplied. Treats being supplied by Greggs. We always come away wishing we had more volunteers to attack some of the more remote spots. Please come along and show your support.

WDC clean ups take place on the Saltings on the first Sunday each month meeting in the car park off Erskine Ferry Road at 10.00 am

Explore Outdoors! Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills
Saturday 30th May 11am – 3pm
Join the expedition with Forestry Commission Scotland & Woodland Trust Scotland to explore new trails and hidden areas of Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills. Fun for explorers of all ages with children’s treasure hunts, geocaching and other fun family activities such as storytelling and camp fires.
Refreshments available on the day.
No booking required, drop in at any time.
Free of charge – parking available at Woodland Trust car park beside Overtoun House’.
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wdcvs.com%2F&ei=TSIbVevTB4bbap3egrgH&usg=AFQjCNH6lwvy0fJNGdxU_4ikJNu3NFBLwA&bvm=bv.89744112,d.ZGU&cad=rja

West Dunbartonshire Community & Volunteering Services (WDCVS)
http://www.wdcvs.com/
The WDCVS send out informative e- newsletters on a regular basis. You can be put on the mailing list thro’ the link on their website. ‘WDCVS have been very lucky to have been given access to one of the community plots at Dalmuir where local people have been able to volunteer there learning new skills, passing on their skills, meeting new people, breaking down isolation, getting people outside and active as well as being able to eat the produce they grow. The volunteers last year worked on parts of the allotment in small teams or on a 1-1 basis If you would like to volunteer at the allotment or want to find out more then contact Rhona on 0141 941 0886.’

Clydebank Post
Over the years many had been put off reading the Post due to an over emphasis on crime and associated lurid headlines. Recently this has changed and a new team are trying to create a paper reporting more on community events and people, council doings (or lack of) and showing a more positive side to the area.

THE WATCHMEAL OF KILPATRICK, AND DAVID MURRAY
To finish with an interesting snippet of ancient history concerning the Kilpatrick Hills.... etc.
Centuries ago there were wolves on the Hills. One hill named Knockvadie means ‘Hill of the Wolf’ which bears testament to this fact. The wolves naturally were considered to be a threat to domestic livestock. A local feu duty, or tax, was instigated in the 14th century named the Watchmeal of Kilpatrick – a tax paid for by local tenants and heritors, to help meet the cost of expelling the predators. This was paid not in money but in oatmeal – which collectively would contribute to some level of protection of the livestock on the Hills. It was locally known as ‘dogmeal’ since it was thought to go towards feeding the hunting dogs kept at Dumbarton Castle for use against the wolves.

This levy has its first mention in a charter dated 1348 and was aimed at occupiers of the land owned by Paisley Abbey, the fourteen townships or Abbey lands of Kilpatrick. These occupiers and tenants were bound to ‘pay’ a total of five chalders of oatmeal. (an ancient Scottish measure of grain). After the 16th century this authority to impose the tax was later taken over by the crown after which the heritors and tenants paid this feu in money rather than oatmeal. The 4th Marquis (later the 1st Duke of Montrose) acquired all the duties payable to Dumbarton Castle from the Duchy of Lennox between 1702 – 1704 and attempted to revert the system to payment in kind (oatmeal), and introducing a larger grain measure. The Kilpatrick heritors and tenants resisted this, and questioned the need to pay this particular levy at all, claiming that the wolf had long since disappeared from the Hills. However the Duke’s application was upheld by the Sheriff of Dumbarton in 1706. Payment reverted to ‘in kind’ (oatmeal) but again with an even larger measure. The heritors and tenants again appealed but the Duke’s demands were upheld at the Court of Sessions. There is no further record of protests by the local farmers and meanwhile the lands and feu entitlement were put back on the market. In 1826 they passed to William Dunn, local Mill owner, who was hoping to use this title to the lands to his political advantage to create ‘Parchment Barons’- supporters who could vote for him in elections, if required. During the interim after his death in 1849, the local heritors and tenants of the fourteen townships were given the opportunity to buy out their obligation to pay the Watchmeal Tax. All except one of these, Lord Blantyre, accepted the proposal. David Murray of Cardross, (1842 – 1928) a lawyer and local historian, and “a man of culture and of large and varied knowledge, conjoined with great industry and deep research”, bought (primarily as an historical curiosity) this last remaining ‘feu superiority’ for Lord Blantyre’s land still subject to the Watchmeal duty.

After Mr Murray’s death, his extensive library of books went to Glasgow University, but items of relevance to Dunbartonshire went to Dumbarton Library. The books and papers presented by him formed the basis of the library's Watchmeal Collection, which exists to this day; the collection to be supplemented using the modest income from the Watchmeal fund.

NB    it is worth noting that there is a road named after this story: Watchmeal Crescent in Faifley, as well as an Abbeylands Road!
Acknowledgements:     John Mitchell, Scottish Local History Issue 80, February 2011;                                                             Lairich Rig   “The Murray Family Memorial”, http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/332117

Next Clydebelt Meeting
Tuesday 19th May 7.00 in Trinity Church Hall, Roman Road, Duntocher – all welcome.

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NEWS RELEASE
Forestry Commission Scotland has appointed Amy Telford as Community Ranger for the Kilpatrick Hills.

The appointment comes as the Commission publishes its 10-year Land Management Plan for Kilpatrick Hills, which sets out the vision of the woodland in the future following extensive analysis, community consultation and development work.

The partnership role will see Telford working jointly for Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland at the Kilpatrick Hills.

Amy said: I˙m really excited about my new partnership role and look forward to engaging with the local community and arranging recreational events at Kilpatrick Hills. Iâ•˙ll also be working with local schools and families to encourage and support outdoor learning and playing. Our aim is to encourage and support more people from all abilities and backgrounds to visit Kilpatrick Hills.

Robert Clamp, District Forester Planning, Forestry Commission Scotland said: Our vision is for Kilpatrick Hills to be a highly accessible area providing a wilderness experience for the public to enjoy with more recreational opportunities. This has been incorporated into the Land Management Plan, which aims to increase the ease and access to the hills by linking up existing routes into longer loops including the John Muir Way.

The Land Management Plan sets out ongoing improvements for the management of the site, including tree felling and restructuring to diversify the make-up of the forest. Different tree species are to be planted at Kilpatrick Hills, including conifers, broadleaves and a wide range of native woodland types, which will benefit the flora, fauna and wildlife across the Hills.

The Kilpatrick Hills is a 3,500 hectare site and offers a taste of the Highlands on Glasgowâ•˙s doorstep, just nine miles from the city centre with spectacular views over Glasgow and the River Clyde, as well as hill walking and bike-riding and the chance to spot red deer, otters and ospreys.

For more information on the Kilpatrick Hills Land Management Plan, please visit: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/managing/plans-and-strategies/land-management-plans/616-kilpatrick-hills
or Facebook.com/visitkilpatrickhills

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New Year greetings to all members. This first New Year message is a bit like the New Year epistle from the Rev. I.A.M. Jolly (the late Rikki Fulton) with his annual contribution to the BBC Hogmanay TV show; depressing news. The reason is the publishing of the Scottish Government’s report on the new West Dunbartonshire Development Plan.

West Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan
This was submitted to the Scottish Ministers for examination and their Report has recently been tabled, with some recommendations that give cause for despondency. Their recommendations on four of the sites discussed are summarised below – Duntiglennan Fields, housing at Bowling along the south side of the Canal, the proposed new canal to Loch Lomond, and Young’s Farm in Dumbarton.

In all, this new style consultation for the local plan has been a great disappointment, with non-resident council planners, and reporters, not moving their stance in response to almost any of the public’s suggestions. They only seem to listen to the non-elected quangos like SNH and SEPA. So much for local democracy and listening to people born and brought up in the district. It seems planners and perhaps the council officials think they know it all and local opinion is only asked for so that they can tick the box for a public consultation. This now seems the norm in all such local authority consultation exercises (some now called charrettes).   Are we wasting our time at these ‘consultations’ as decisions seem to have already been made before the event? (See charrette article below). Clydebelt spent a lot of time commenting on several sections of the consultation draft and thought we might have been listened to in at least one section, when along with many others, we thought we might have reversed the proposal to remove the green belt at Duntiglennan.

If you would like to see their comments in full on the twenty-five ‘issues’ they considered, a copy is available for public viewing in the Planning & Building Standards, at the Council’s offices at Rosebery Place, Clydebank and Garshake Dumbarton, libraries and also on the council’s website. http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/strategies,-plans-and-policies/localdevelopment-planning/local-development-plan/
Also on the DPEA website: the link is:
http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=115165
Perhaps quicker to send us an email and we can forward it as a PDF attachment.

Duntiglennan Fields (p.146-162 of their Report).
‘Duntiglennan Fields’ have been reinstated back to the Plan as being a site suitable for housing (up to 100 houses), and removing from green belt This means that a housing application will almost certainly be submitted soon and even should the planning committee refuse, it would only go to appeal to the Reporters Unit who have just recommended the area for housing, making it most unlikely that the councillors would risk the costs of an appeal!

Bowling Harbour (PP 60 – 66)
Primarily with reference to proposed housing development along the south side of the canal, to the east of the basin.   The Reporter did not accept the proposed modifications, but instead “considered that the strategy for mixed use development at Bowling Basin is appropriate in order to enhance this gateway location on the Canal network, increase visitors and economic activity, enhance the green network, and provide a range and choice of housing in West Dunbartonshire” – in other words, gave the green light to housing development on the South side of the canal.

Young’s Farm, Dumbarton (PP 81 – 90)
The Reporters have also approved the Council’s proposal to allow the Dumbarton Football Club’s proposed new pitch and other developments on green belt at Young’s Farm. This is along the Leven between Dalreoch and Renton. Amazingly they do not consider this a change from green belt – we do wonder how a football pitch, its considerable associated buildings, training ground and the parking areas, can constitute green belt usage.

Proposed Lomond Canal alongside the River Leven to Loch Lomond. (PP. 67 – 72)
The Reporter has supported the principle of further investigation of the proposed canal. Clydebelt wrote strongly against this proposed Canal, but again it seems that any arguments given were overlooked entirely.

Other news

WDC ‘Office rationalisation’ of Council buildings, Clydebank
In Clydebank the main proposal is to demolish/sell off the purpose-built and Council-owned offices at Rosebery Place, and to move staff to a smaller office building next to Clydebank College which was built ‘on spec’ for letting by the now defunct Clydebank ReBuilt. We understand that most staff will not have their own desks and so would be ‘hot desking’ or alternatively working from home! There would be little space for public visiting which instead would be done at a ‘One Stop Shop’ in the shopping centre, or by appointment. Offices for Councillors would be arranged in the upper floor of Clydebank Town Hall.

PUBLIC MEETING 1 - CLYDEBANK TOWN CENTRE:
DESIGN CHARRETTE
11th -14th February
“The Scottish Government has selected Clydebank town centre for a major locally driven design charrette….. the fundamental aim is to involve local residents, business and stakeholders in planning the future of the town centre. A charrette is an intensive consultation that engages local people in the design of their community……..Planning and design workshops will be held in the Clydebank Town Hall over a four day period running from the 11th -14th February when the public, designers and specialists will be working together, ‘hands on’, to prepare a long term vision, development framework and action plan for Clydebank Town Centre with the ideas translated into plans and drawings….”
The rest of this BRIEFING NOTE 1: 5 January 2015 is on the WDC website.

Sounds good, chance at last to have your say and be listened to, but many of us have been through all this already for other locations and seen almost nothing happen in response to our input.

Clydebank Re-built went through exactly the same procedures 10 years ago except their consultations were long and many. All the public’s, planners and, council officials suggestions were noted but little of it materialised. Tons of paper were used in News bulletins, summaries, reports, design forums, pamphlets and leaflets, etc. A reputed £54 million later what have we got? Not a lot for that kind of money and very little was from ideas put by the public who attended many meetings and ‘Design Forums’. Is there just a glimmer of hope that some of these unfulfilled aspirations will reappear and be acted upon through this charrette?

Some of us thought with the potential for new build at Queens Quay, the area around the Town Hall could be revitalised with the opportunity for a new civic building, and a proper traditional town square to the south and leading to the river. However our planners and now government reporters say the Shopping Centre is Clydebank Town Centre and the Town Hall and Queen’s Quay are on the wrong side of Dumbarton Road. (Local Development Plan Report p. 17 Para.13) Can we assume that the above charrette will not then discuss the possibilities for the area around the Town Hall or Queen’s Quay, planning proposals for which are being shown separately (See Public Meeting 2 below). Shopping centres, supermarkets, and money making are obviously much more important than civic buildings and community facilities for the public or even to give the town the proper overall planning which has been badly needed since the Clydebank Blitz.

However what is really galling is that apparently it was the Scottish Government who refused WDC consent to borrow the money to buy the Queens Quay site when it was offered at a reduced price in the first place. If it had been Council-owned we might have had some say as to proper planning and control of the site.

Is this really a concern for Clydebelt? Maybe not, but when plans were submitted for 1600 homes at Queens Quay we objected that there was not nearly enough open space provision according to planning guidelines. We were ignored
and the plans were passed, but fell through when the housing bubble burst. Every Clydebank resident should attend and make their views heard as forcibly as possible, there’s just a glimmer of a chance that someone might listen.

PUBLIC MEETING 2 - PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT QUEEN’S QUAY PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Thursday 22nd Jan 1.00 -8.00 pm Cunard suite Clydebank College.
Hard on the heels of hearing about the above charrette, the Clydebank Post published notice of the above on Wed 14th January, inviting you to view and comment on this proposed development which includes housing, retail, financial, office, public house, hotel, care home, health centre and associated parking. Obviously a very major development and worthy of much more discussion than is being offered. It could completely reshape Clydebank as we know it and should be part of the Scottish Government charrette above. But is it –have we no joined up thinking or planning?

Go to this one as well and see what you think of the proposals for this new large area of Clydebank and riverside that we have never had access to before.

PUBLIC MEETING 3 - OLD KILPATRICK
Wed. 21st January (19.30-21.00) Napier Hall 
This meeting is being organised by Old Kilpatrick Community Council 
Do you live in Old Kilpatrick? Are you interested in your village?     Do you think it could be improved? Have you got any ideas how it can be made better? Why not come along to a Public Meeting to listen to and share your ideas with others on relevant issues such as: Lusset Glen, Station Building, Antonine Wall, Napier Hall, St Patrick’s Well, The Saltings.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF LAND REFORM IN SCOTLAND
Comments to close on 10th February
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0046/00464887.pdf
The Scottish Government has made proposals for a new Land Reform Act. Their recommendations and explanations can be seen at the above link. There are 64 consultation questions which are discussed in the text and then presented for comment. The Bill, to change the present Land Reform Act, should be submitted next year after all consultations and discussion have been finalised.

This is an extremely important piece of legislation and everyone should make comment on at least some of the questions asked. The Bill is concerned with Land Registry & Ownership, Community Ownership Management and Right to Buy, Public Access, Nature Conservation, Crofting and Agricultural Reform, Land Taxes, better Deer Management , etc. etc.

Please take time to read it and respond to the questionnaire, it can only help to create a better and hopefully, a more equal Scotland.

John Muir Way path extension through Kilpatrick Hills gets funding
Funding has been secured to develop a five kilometre path extension to the John Muir Way that will take walkers and cyclists up on to the Kilpatrick Hills.

Partners, Sportscotland, Scottish National Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland have funded the £492,000 project to provide an upland and wilderness section to the 134 mile coast to coast route from Helensburgh to Dunbar.
The new path extension will provide an alternative to the Balloch to Carbeth section of the John Muir Way which runs on a public road and footpath. This alternative route will go from Merkins, to Burncrooks Reservoir and Carbeth.

There will be approximately 7km of new trail and the upgrading of about 2km of existing forest road. The new trail, nominally 2m wide for walker, mountain bike and horse riding use, will be constructed across coniferous woodland, plantation, open moorland and agricultural land. The works also require the crossing of various watercourses and implementation of a robust drainage scheme along the entire length of the route. Priority will be given to constructing the path with minimal visual and environmental impact on the surrounding landscape.

Riggangour Landfill
Further to paragraph in the last newsletter about permission being given for further working at this landfill site on the Milton to the Black Linn or to Loch Humphrey via Greenlands track at Sheep Hill Quarry, the council have imposed the following conditions:-
The operating hours of the landfill site including the dispatch of aggregates shall be between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays or Public Holidays, Only emergency works, water pumping, servicing or maintenance of plant are permitted to take place outside the permitted hours of operation. Notwithstanding the submitted details, the final restoration details for the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the approved operations on site. These details shall include a restoration masterplan which demonstrates how the site will be restored on a phased basis unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.

Fancy a quick walk?
This easy walk starts at the car park off Cochno Road at Auchnacraig/Edinbarnet, and it can be done in about an hour. It has few steep sections. Starting from the car park (near G81 5QR) go back onto Cochno Road and through the gate signed to Cochno Farm which leads to Cochno House and the Glasgow Veterinary School Farm. On the right, about 100 yds. into Cochno Estate you can see a waterfall in the Cochno Burn which once had an overhead pipe powering a waterwheel for a sawmill. The stone base for the wheel can still be seen.                   If more time is available it is possible to follow the Cochno Burn up to see Lady’s Linn and, among the rhododendrons, about 200 yds. to the north, the small graveyard built for the last of the Hamilton family to reside at Cochno House. After the graveyard you need to turn back down to the main drive.

From the drive the track is marked on the right through a gate into farmland alongside a wood and is goes through several gates, passing Glasgow University Observatory across the fields to the left. Then you pass through the last gate on to the hill which has been planted recently as community woodland by the Forestry Commission. Parts about here can be boggy before reaching the Gray Mare’s Tail, a waterfall on the Cochno Burn just below the Jaw Reservoir. This is Core Path 92 and was known as the Fishermen’s Path as it leads to the anglers hut at Cochno Loch. At this point, for the short walk go east along the dam and turn right into the field to walk to the south of Muirhouses Farm, looking out for a sign post and direction post on the left. On reaching the road turn right and it’s all downhill from here (core path 91). Passing the old Edinbarnet Kennels cottage look out for a path into the wood on the right and follow this into Edinbarnet. Edinbarnet House, now a nursing home, can be seen on the right. Our path forks downhill to the left to a bridge and path back to the car park.
Believe it or not, the story goes that Clydebank Burgh bought this beautiful glen about 60 years ago with the intention of piping the burn, felling the trees and using the site as the burgh coup.(refuse dump) Walk it in early May, see and smell the bluebells.

For a longer walk, you would at this point go west along Cochnohill, past Jaw Reservoir and Cochno Loch and back down the Loch Humphrey Burn road to Cochno Road and turn left back to the car park or straight down to Hardgate.

Clydebelt Membership
We have made constant reminders over the last few years that we needed to update our membership lists and acquire some cash to continue and at the 2013 AGM it was agreed that a one off renewal fee of £5 per household should be paid. Disappointingly about half our ‘members’ have not responded and we can only assume they are no longer interested. Even more disappointing is that several were founding and/or committee members. Thanks to all those continuing members who have responded especially those who kindly gave donations.

Next Clydebelt Meeting
Tuesday 20th January 7.00 in Trinity Church Hall, Roman Road, Duntocher – all welcome.

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The AGM of Clydebelt will be held on Tuesday 18th November 2014.

14/11/2014

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The AGM of Clydebelt will be held in Trinity Church Hall Roman Road Duntocher at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 18th November 2014.

It’s that time of the year again, and we hope that many of our members will show their support by turning out to join us for the AGM at 7.30 on Tuesday 18th November in Trinity Church Hall Roman Road Duntocher. After the meeting there will be refreshments, and then Alan Williamson of the Forward Planning Department of the West Dunbartonshire Council will give a talk on the environmental aspects of the Local Development Plan with regards to the Kilpatrick Hills. There will be an. opportunity for questions. The LDP is currently in final stages of examination by Scottish government reporters who should be making their report in January. (see articles below).

Clydebelt is looking for more Committee members to actively support our work. Please consider joining us – you will be made very welcome! Meetings are held every two months.

Only about half our ‘members’ have responded to the request for a renewal of membership fee of £5 per household, agreed at last year’s AGM. If you want to continue your support for Clydebelt get in touch now or you will be removed from our revised list.

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West Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan

14/11/2014

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Duntiglennan
After a hard fight to get the proposal to zone ‘Duntiglennan Fields’, as a possible housing site,
dropped from the draft LDP it seems the matter has not gone away. The Draft Plan is now with the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) for examination. The Reporter dealing with this issue has asked further questions of those who raised issues about the Housing Land Supply.

Under guidance from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan, WDC has to allocate sufficient land for housing development. The council has assessed the housing land supply for the periods 2009 ␣ 2020 and 2020 ␣ 2025. Taylor Wimpey are claiming that the LDP allocation is insufficient and Duntiglennan is required to bring the number up to that recommended by Scottish Planning Policy which should contain a 10 -20% margin of generosity.

This conflict is what the Reporter is trying to determine through further questioning. Clydebelt does not have the information and statistical knowledge to give definitive answers and could only reply that as one of the most deprived areas in Scotland with high unemployment and a falling population we would hope that the area should not be being asked to allocate private housing land supply on the same basis as more desirable and more affluent areas. We also emphasised that the district has large areas of undeveloped brownfield sites. To acquire further information there will be a hearing on 11th November with the Reporter and those who have responded. The DPEA Reporters hope to issue their report on the LDP in January. See http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=115165 Page 2 Issue 17

WDLDP/ Esso Site Bowling
http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=115165 p.3 --07
Clydebelt had made comment on the large Esso site between Bowling and Dumbuck in the consultations for the Local Development Plan. The site was formerly an oil distribution depot and is heavily contaminated and currently being cleaned up for selling on; a process that could take another two years.

The Council’s aspirations are for a relief road from Dunglass to Dumbuck junction as a diversionary route alternative to the A82 and which would also give access to the site and state

“There is strong environmental and economic justification for this derelict sites continued identification as a development opportunity. Redevelopment would remediate the contamination arising from the site’s previous use, bring about green network enhancements and provide new opportunities for employment and, potentially, new housing. National, regional and local planning policy seeks to direct development to urban areas and in particular vacant and derelict brownfield sites such as Esso Bowling and Scott’s Yard, which represents a unique opportunity for maritime-related uses linked to the Dunglass Basin and available deep-water access, or for other business, industry, storage and distribution.”

The western end of the site would be kept in green belt as it is more liable to flooding and as the Clyde riverside is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wading birds

Overtoun and Silverton Community Council agree with the proposed new road but otherwise consider the remainder of the site should be retained as green open space, with a nature reserve created. The land is already part of the Green Network and Green Belt and any substantial development on the site would have a negative environmental impact on existing biodiversity, particularly over-wintering birds on the shore.

RSPB Scotland wants the importance of the green belt to the west and the value of this area as compensation for the loss of intertidal habitat through climate change effects, highlighted. This information should be transferred to the Proposed Plan (as modified) to ensure developers are aware of its importance in avoiding adverse impacts on the integrity of the Special Protection Area and the objectives for the site into the future.

SNH support the mapping of proposed Green Network enhancements at this site’s western end and the reasons given and note the site’s southern waterfront presents a no less significant opportunity: for biodiversity, landscape character, and recreational access along the Clyde linking to Bowling station.

Clydebelt support retaining the green belt to the west of the site, which, via the burn, links the tidal zone and River Clyde to the Kilpatrick Hills and promises of wildlife enhancement. Clydebelt state they would like the cycle way to be enhanced and form part of a green corridor through any developed part of the site and additionally note that the area to the east of the basin has potential for leisure/heritage use due to the Henry Bell Monument, Dunglass Castle and House with its Charles Rennie McIntosh connection.

Other objections submitted state there should be no new road, no green belt release or extension of the site towards Dumbuck Junction; and no residential, retail or any form of built development.
There was no comment noted from the Bowling and Milton Community Council.

At a public meeting in March a representative from Esso confirmed that most of the site would be unsuitable for housing due to the possibility of continuing contaminants and that future industrial, commercial and recreational uses were most likely. Disposal of the land would be in the hands of their commercial dept.

The council’s objectives as regards maritime use, deep-water access and industry surely conflicts with the designation and protection of the Clyde as a SPA for birds as indicated by the RSPB.

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Cochno to Greenside Right of Way ROW14/01

14/11/2014

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Residents on this track up to Greenside reservoir have experienced anti-social behaviour from passing
youths and had applied for the Right of Way to be closed proposing that the alternative route should be the new path created by the Forestry Commission, through the new community woodland . This new path has already been made a core path under the Access Regulations and signposted accordingly in an attempt to divert people from the section of path in question. At the WDC planning meeting on 22nd October the request to close the Right of Way was refused. Clydebelt and several members made comment on the proposal.

Hopefully some of the attraction of the area for these disaffected youths will be removed if/when two developments at the former Cochno Waterworks takes place. The waterworks building has been left unsecured for a long time and has become a venue for anti-social behaviour. An application for a 75 bed nursing home has already been passed (DC14/140) and another (DC14/138) for 11 houses is pending decision. These are being built in green belt and the housing, at least would appear to be extending the urban area, by the ‘back door’. The design and appearance of these houses cannot be said to be particularly ‘rural’.

It could be thought that such ex public utility sites, should be reinstated or only used for a purpose amenable to green belt status.

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Application for wind turbine at Bonhill DC14/210 (East of G83 9QT)

14/11/2014

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This application is for a single 250 Kw turbine, 43 m to blade tip in height, situated in green belt, on the north-west side of the Murroch Burn upstream from the new Aggreko factory. Claims to be able to supply power for 140 homes. Unusual in that this is at a relatively low altitude (100m.AOD) and only 438 m. from the Beechwood housing estate, whose streets are to be used for access and for construction traffic and which may be affected by the hum from the turbine or swoosh of the blades?

It would be partially screened by Broomhill Wood and, it is claimed, by recently planted trees, but with a life expectancy of 25 years it is doubtful if these would screen a 43 m. structure even in 250 years. Various predictions are made to its visibility from other selected viewpoints, including Gleniffer Braes, Paisley (18154m. away!), and Lyle Park Greenock (15083m,away) but the more obvious potential viewpoints in the Kilpatrick Hills such as Lang Craigs and Doughnot Hill and from east Dumbarton such as Garshake and Bellsmyre, appear to have been omitted. The site is 32 hectares; if granted, could there be a possibility of a further application for more turbines?

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Bowling Harbour

14/11/2014

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There was another two day meeting by Scottish Canals– a “charrette” – held on 29th and 30th August, which was open to the public. Plans had been drawn up to develop the area although these were still at a consultation stage and had not been submitted to Planning.

The website to view their proposals is: http://www.bowlingbasin.com Included in the plan is a new access bridge over the canal to the Eastern edge of Bowling, to take vehicles over the canal and leading to a car park ‘hub’, and also with the possibility (subject to planning) of housing being developed on the north side of the canal and in the existing woodland which lies between the canal towpath and the line of the disused railway. As no plans have gone forward to planning yet, Clydebelt is not able to take any action except to monitor. Earlier plans for renovating the ‘Arches’ DC14/161 has been approved.

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Proposed re-location of Dumbarton Football Club from Castle Road Dumbarton, to new site on Youngs Farm

14/11/2014

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See http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=115165 P.1 Issue 11

There will be an exhibition of the proposed plans for a new re-located Football Club, training facilities and conference centre to a greenfield site between Dalreoch and A82 slip to Renton . This is still at a consultation stage and members of the development team will be there to answer questions. They will be submitting their plans in January 2015.

The exhibition will take place at the current football club site on Castle Road. It will run over two days: November 6th (11:00a.m. till 7:00p.m.) and November 7th (10.00a.m. till 4:00pm) It will also include the plans for the redevelopment of the current Castle Road site, for 180 houses and flats and a walkway linking the town centre with the Castle.

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National Park Proposed Byelaws for West Loch Lomond and other sites

14/11/2014

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National Park Proposed Byelaws for West Loch Lomond and other sites The NPA proposes to introduce camping restrictions, (similar to those now in force on the East side of Loch Lomond), to many other lochside areas, including the west side of Loch Lomond. But the aim is not just to place restrictions. The Park Authority want to deliver a wider range of opportunities to camp but reduce the types of anti-social behaviour, damage and pollution that ruin other visitors’ and residents’ enjoyment. Nevertheless the restrictions proposed could be contrary to the aims of the Scottish Access Laws and restrict the ‘wild campers’ who prefer to camp on their own.There will be a ‘Drop in’ on December 13th from 10.00am-2.00pm at the Park H.Q in Balloch.

‘Your Park’ on their website offers the opportunity for you to have your say. The consultation period is already open and ends Monday 12 January 2015. More details on the website www.thisisyourpark.org.uk

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Newsletter April 2015

March 30th, 2015

Newsletter January 2015

The AGM of Clydebelt will be held on Tuesday 18th November 2014.

West Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan

Cochno to Greenside Right of Way ROW14/01

Application for wind turbine at Bonhill DC14/210 (East of G83 9QT)

Bowling Harbour

Proposed re-location of Dumbarton Football Club from Castle Road Dumbarton, to new site on Youngs Farm

National Park Proposed Byelaws for West Loch Lomond and other sites

Clydebelt

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