Published: Wednesday, 13th June, 2007 9:50am

Last ditch winner for Davie Cooper

by Andrea Fraser

Campaigners' tears of joy at decision (13/06/07)

A CENTRE to help children with special needs was given resounding backing this week - despite recommendations to knock it back.

The Davie Cooper Centre was given outline planning permission last week to allow them to build the centre - the first of its kind in the UK - on a greenbelt site on the A82.

Planners had raised issues over the site causing 'coalescence' between Clydebank and Drumchapel.

And West Dunbartonshire Council"s (WDC) roads department had also objected to the move because it would mean the creation of another road onto busy Great Western Road.

But director and secretary of the Davie Cooper Centre, Jackie McDonald, pleaded with members to back the centre despite the recommendations.

She told the meeting: 'The harsh reality of the refusal of this application is our plans will be set back years.

'I just want you to give your support to the little girl that goes to the park and can"t play because there is no suitable equipment.

'We have no hidden agendas, we just want to change a piece of waste land into a centre of excellence.'

Councillor Craig McLaughlin said: 'Had this been the first application for this area of greenbelt I would be mindful to refuse it, but given that the precedent has been set with Goals and World of Golf I would be mindful to approve it.'

Provost Denis Agnew said that conditions should be attached to the approval restricting any expansion of the site.

Councillor Jim McElhill said he was concerned that the plans were going against the local plan but added: 'I think I am right in saying that this is such a good idea and is necessary.

'It will be a bonus for Clydebank and West Dunbartonshire.'

Campaigners for the centre cried tears of joy when councillors unanimously agreed to give their backing to the project.

Jackie McDonald said: 'This has been on the go for so long and I couldn"t have walked away without getting planning permission - it would have broken my heart.

'We are now taking a few days to re-group and then we have to look at getting all the designs ready.

'We are looking at expanding the organisation now.

'I am so happy that we have got past another hurdle now and we are all looking forward now.'

But the charity, which lists Walter Smith and Ally McCoist among its patrons, now have their work cut out.

A WDC spokesman confirmed that the matter had to be referred to the Scottish Executive for consideration as it was a 'significant departure' from the local plan.

Return to: Homepage | News Index | This article