Developers say community views matter

Orchard Brae’s public exhibitions were aimed at enlightening local residents who feel their lives would be negatively impacted by the EuroPark development.

The Advertiser was on hand for the meetings held in Chapelhall library and Calderbank village hall, where a number of information boards, which detailed potential changes in green space, housing development and traffic flow, were perused by interested residents searching for answers.

They were also kept up-to-date on plans for a leisure centre, business hub and retail opportunities.

A spokesperson for Orchard Brae said the majority of feedback and communication with residents was positive, and that explaining the proposals in more detail has allowed community members to gain a more rounded view of the plans.

They said:“The voice of the community does matter to us.

“Around 75 per cent of discussions with people at our consultations has been of a positive nature.

“More people than not have left with their minds changed or at least thought-provoked.

“But we believe this is a very attractive offering with the green belt being kept at heart.

“The canal and woodland aren’t being touched and the paths will be upgraded. A full environmental impact assessment will be carried out as the wildlife is a concern t raised.”

One resident who entered the Calderbank exhibition firmly against the plans, told the Advertiser later:“I’m happy with some of it now as jobs will be created and people can live close to their work. If the housing is affordable too that’s a good thing.”