Published: Tuesday, 11th November, 2008 09:30
Save our trees begs Provost
By Mike Farrell
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Provost Denis Agnew
A SELF-confessed “tree-hugging” councillor has questioned plans to remove an area of greenery to make way for a park and ride facility at a Dumbarton train station.
An application had been lodged to introduce a car park and connecting footpath at Dalreoch train station, in West Bridgend.
West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) hoped that congestion problems at the site would be remedied if the scheme went ahead.
But at Tuesday’s (November 4) meeting of the Planning Committee, the Provost Denis Agnew raised concerns over proposals to remove an area of trees to make way for the site.
He told the committee that alternatives or green-inspired replacements should be considered before the plans were given the green light.
Provost Agnew said: “I don’t want to set a precedent here, where we are taking away green space without providing any suitable replacement for it.
“I reject this proposal on the grounds that it will not fulfil the promise providing suitable open space to put in its place.
“Open space does not have to be flat — some people like slopes.
“And what about the trees? I’m a self-confessed tree-hugger and I’m not ashamed of that.
“What we’ve got to remember is that these sites essentially give us air, and putting a car park there does not help that, removing and not replacing open space does not balance out.”
But, SNP Councillor Craig McLaughlin said: “Although I understand the aesthetic role it has, there are car parking problems in Dalreoch.
“This would improve the use of the open space.”
The planning application, including a picnic area and CCTV cameras in the parking lot, was passed by the Planning Committee after a 6-3 vote.
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