Published: Thursday, 22nd May, 2008 12:00
Support for housing plans - but proper consultation helps
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I read your report in the Helensburgh Advertiser of May 15 about the flagship Burgh housing policy with interest.
Although you have reported accurately what was said, I would like to make it clear on behalf of the Residents’ Association that there has never been any objection to the new development.
What we have tried to achieve since December 2007 is a consultation process between Argyll and Bute Council and the residents of Colgrain, so we could sit down on an informal basis to discuss things that bothered us and find a solution, rather than going through discretionary hearings which I and my neighbours found daunting and intimidating.
Helensburgh Community Council set up their consultation to inform residents about what was planned for their community and record their views — which Argyll and Bute Council have ignored anyway.
Major traffic changes have come about in all of Old and North Colgrain as a result of the new academy being built, despite little or no consultation.
The council did carry out a traffic management assessment on Guy Mannering Road but did not show it to any residents.
Only two homes in Guy Mannering Road were notified about changes which were to take place, even though they will affect the whole estate. I believe that all the residents of Drumfork Road and Collins Road got in the way of consultation, were placards on the lamppost.
Whilst all parties have kept to the letter of the law, it must be remembered that this is the minimum requirement, it is not necessarily best practice and certainly does not make residents feel that they are part of the process.
All the residents of North Colgrain were asking for, was that Guy Mannering Road remain a cul-de-dac with a cul-de-sac adjacent to it in the new development, denying access to motor vehicles but giving access to pedestrians and cyclists.
Around 99 per cent of Guy Mannering residents, and 93 per cent of all North West Colgrain residents, agreed with this.
As Brian Grant has pointed out, he brings his grandkids round from Jeanie Deans Road to play in the cul-de-sac because it is safe. It would be safe in the new cul-de-sac as well.
What Colgrain needs is a major traffic consultation for the whole area which includes input from the people who live there.
Ian Fraser
Chairman
North Colgrain Residents
Association
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