Ministers ‘call in’ plans for 90 flats on North Kelvin Meadow

Formerly council-run football pitches and tennis courts, the meadows fell into disrepair in the early 90s.

But over the last 20 years residents have planted seeds, built treehouses and renovated buildings and the land is currently used by schools, nurseries and playgroups as well as locals engaging in outdoor learning.

The £10 million proposal from developers New City Vision, which was approved by Glasgow City Council last month, would see the area bulldozed.

However, the council has also, in principle, backed a proposal from campaigners who have maintained the land to continue to use it as a public green space.

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

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.

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.”