STOP Cala Homes from overdeveloping and spoiling this special space around one of Scotland's most cherished national assets, the Forth and Clyde canal. 

STOP Cala Homes from destroying a wildlife habitat and worsening already overstretched local transport systems and community services. 

What has happened?

Despite opposition from the Local Planning Board, Councillors and hundreds of residents in East Dunbartonshire, the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has approved plans for the construction of 135 housing units including three and four-storey flats and townhouses next to the Forth and Clyde canal at Jellyhill near the Leisuredrome in Bishopbriggs G64.

What are the facts to date?

1. East Dunbartonshire Council Planning Board unanimously decided against the plans from Cala Homes; a decision supported by a record 569 letters of objection.
2. Cala Homes appealed to the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) and a Reporter was appointed to judge the appeal.
3. The Local Council requested a public hearing for residents to convey serious concerns, but the Reporter did not accede to this request.
4. The Reporter decided in favour of Cala Homes.      

Why should you be concerned?

1. At a local level, intolerable pressure will be placed on already overstretched transport systems and community services including schools. Also worrying is the fact that this wildlife habitat, which includes protected species, is now in peril.    

2. On a national level, these overdevelopment plans will sadly diminish this delightful and much loved section of the Forth and Clyde canal; a precious national asset for all to enjoy and be cherished for future generations. 
3. We have arrived at this position because of a centralised decision-making process which was neither transparent nor democratic. The concerns of the local community were not properly listened to. Understandably, there is now widespread belief, rightly or wrongly, that this appeal process is seriously imbalanced in favour of the major developers; the local community has no such right of appeal. 

4. MSPs and Councillors are supportive and opposed to this decision, but unable to challenge it under current law.

5. In short, it is a travesty of transparency, natural justice and democracy.        

Is there hope at this late stage?

1. A three month period of grace has been granted for agreement of financial matters to be reached between Cala Homes and the Planning Authorities before final approval. 

2. A new improved Planning Bill calling for increased community involvement is  under review by the Scottish Parliament hopefully to improve what has been described in the national press as "Scotland's perverse planning rules".  

3. Ross Greer MSP is tabling further amendments to this Bill to guarantee local communities an effective voice in all planning decisions.

4. The Local Planning Board, Councillors, MSPs and a record number of residents are opposed to the Cala Home plans for Jellyhill.

5. If successful, this petition will allow the necessary  breathing  space for new more progressive planning laws to be introduced and applied to this most controversial  and insensitive appeal decision.

THIS PETITION calls for a MORATORIUM ON THIS APPEAL DECISION  until the parliamentary process on the new Planning Bill is complete. 

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PETITION and give Jellyhill the chance of a better future.  

Find out more at: www.bishopbriggs.org