Glasgow admits erring in law over Wyndford demolition procedure
Glasgow City Council has agreed to carry out a fresh screening opinion into a decision surrounding the demolition of high-rise flats at Wyndford Road after it admitted it “erred in law” by failing to adequately explain the basis for the initial decision.
The case revolves around the proposed demolition of four high-rise towers, each with 26 storeys, in the Maryhill area’s Wyndford district. Campaigners, opposed to the demolition sought judicial review of the decision, arguing that both the council and the Scottish Government failed to conduct the requisite impact assessment.
Earlier this week, the court confirmed a joint minute, that was agreed by the council and the petitioners’ agents, which conceded that the council’s initial decision “erred in law by failing to adequately explain the basis for the decision”.
Glasgow City Council told Scottish Housing News that it maintains that its decision on the impact assessment was not irrational and was in line with the powers given by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.
The council did not accept that any other ground for review is justified, or should lead to the quashing of the decision, it added.
The council has agreed to a fresh screening opinion by another officer in its planning team.
A spokesperson added: “We are in the process of doing that and do not want to prejudge the outcome of that assessment.”
The four Wyndford blocks have been earmarked for demolition by the Wheatley Group which wants to replace them with 300 new homes as part of a £73 million regeneration.
The housing association say the project will replace the “dated and unpopular blocks” with affordable family homes, 255 of which will be for social rent.