Kirkintilloch link road on route

8 Dec 2006

A major drive is underway to progress the development of the Kirkintilloch Link Road as detailed plans are submitted and precautionary works to conserve the surrounding wildlife and habitat move forward.

Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI) has lodged the detailed planning application for the proposed road, which will link Kirkintilloch to the national motorway system for the first time, with East Dunbartonshire Council’s Planning Service this week. This shows the proposed line and level of the road and outlines the likely impacts it may have on the environment. Over the last few months KI has been working hard with teams of specialists to finalise the detailed designs and to agree environmental precautions that will protect the surrounding land and wildlife.

Alongside the planning application a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire a few small areas of land required for the construction of the road has been published and public notices have been erected on site and in the Kirkintilloch Herald. KI successfully acquired by agreement the majority of land needed to build the road but the ownership of a few remaining land parcels is unknown.

KI has recently written to all residents who live close to the proposed road to advise them first hand of the application and provide the first in a series of Information Notes relating to the road, its construction and their rights in relation to the process, like compensation rights.

A series of environmental surveys have been carried out which identified a range of wildlife habitats present on the line of the proposed road. Environmental consultants have used this information to suggest a whole range of measures to protect and enhance local habitats for wildlife. Included in these are proposals to temporarily relocate 12 families of water voles during construction and to re-introduce these mammals to the local area following completion of the road. Arrangements are also being made to ensure that necessary tree-felling is done without affecting nesting birds and bats.

Landscaping proposals to enhance the environment next to the road have also been made, which includes the planting of a significant numbers of new trees that will also improve the wildlife habitat in the area.

Over the next few weeks it is hoped that fencing can be erected around the land acquired for the construction of the road. This will allow the detailed ground investigation to proceed safely and minimise any risks to livestock and walkers.

Duncan Hamilton, project director for Kirkintilloch’s Initiative is impressed by the level of work so far, and the efforts being made to protect the wildlife:
“Not only are people working tremendously hard to design the new link road, but progress with preparation work has been really impressive. There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes, as well as on site, to ensure that the proper precautions are taken to protect the surrounding areas.”

“It’s great that we are able to carry out advanced works which minimise any harm to local wildlife, and I want to thank all the people who have been involved for all their hard work.”

Local people will soon be able to view the plans when they go on display at Lenzie Academy on the 12, 13 and 14 December from 5.00pm to 8.30pm. Staff will be on hand during these times to answer any questions. Following the display at Lenzie Academy, the plans will be available for inspection at the William Patrick Library, at Tom Johnston House in Kirkintilloch and at The Triangle in Bishopbriggs.

Subject to statutory processes including planning consent, construction work on the link road is due to start in late Spring 2007 for around 18 months with a view to the road opening towards the end of 2008.

The Kirkintilloch Link Road is one of 13 projects that is being proposed to help regenerate the town. It is part of a wider transport master plan being developed by KI to improve all forms of transport like car, bus, cycling and walking access across the Kirkintilloch area.

Local people interested in finding out more information and reading the letter and Information Note sent to residents living close to the load should visit www.k-eye.co.uk or contact Kirkintilloch Initiaitive’s project office on 0141 578 8272.