Planning Councillors give go-ahead for Kirkintilloch Link Road

21 Jul 2004

Planning Councillors give go-ahead for Kirkintilloch Link Road

East Dunbartonshire’s economy is set for a massive boost as the planning application for the long awaited Kirkintilloch Link Road met with Councillors’ approval and was referred to the Scottish Minister for a final decision.

Plans for the 4km road, which will provide vital links between Kirkintilloch and the central road network, must be scrutinised by the Scottish Executive because the application was made by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative – a partnership between the Council and the GGHB Trust ////.

Spokesperson for KI said, “The Link Road is a key part of the multi-million pound regeneration programme for Kirkintilloch. Its construction will advance the house building that is planned for the former Woodilee Hospital site, relieve town centre congestion and make local businesses more marketable because of improved transport links.

The road is planned to run from the Townhead roundabout in Kirkintilloch, through Woodilee Industrial Estate, under the Bothlin Burn viaduct, across the Millersneuk wetland and onto the M80 at Hornshill.

Concerns were raised by Scottish Natural Heritage and by the Council’s Biodiversity Officer over the impact on the wetland.

Councillor Margaret McNaughton, Chair of the Planning Board explained, “In response to these concerns, the route of the road was redesigned to minimise the amount of wetland that would be disturbed. An Environmental Statement was also produced to ensure that long term impact on biodiversity in the area will be minimised.”

Kirkintilloch’s Initiative and the people of East Dunbartonshire are now waiting for the Scottish Ministers to consider the application.