Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer
Publication:
This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Member. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.
Section
The purpose of this technical note is to provide an update in relation to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) proceedings at Nithsdale Crescent in Bearsden.
Members will be aware that the Council has been working towards the regeneration of a site a Nithsdale Crescent and resolved to compulsorily purchase 4 flatted properties at Nithsdale Crescent, following prolonged attempts to negotiate a purchase. The CPO is now proceeding to a public inquiry before a Reporter of the DPEA (Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, Scottish Government).
The public inquiry hearing is scheduled to commence at 10am on Tuesday, 27 July 2021, and will continue until all evidence is heard. At present, it is anticipated the hearing will last 3 days. The hearing will take place in the Upper Hall at Bearsden Community Hub. The Reporter has directed that, for safety reasons, members of the public will not be permitted to attend the inquiry to observe the proceedings in person. Public access will be given through the live webcasting of the proceedings by the DPEA).
Full risk assessments have been undertaken by the Council in line with Scottish Government Guidance. Participants at the inquiry will access the building using a separate entrance to minimise any risk of contact with any members of the public who may be using the facilities in the downstairs area of the Hub.
There are five objectors to the Compulsory Purchase Order. Four objectors will attend the public inquiry. One objector will be in attendance on behalf of herself and another objector.
The Council will be leading a number of witnesses in support of the CPO, including Council officers and external witnesses.
Scottish Government guidance requires that the Reporter keeps the number of people gathered together in the inquiry room to a minimum and so attendance will be restricted at all times.
The inquiry will be webcast live at https://dpea.public-i.tv/core/portal/home. The video record of the inquiry will be retained on the website until after the Order is determined. As required, the Reporter has advertised the inquiry in the local newspaper and as part of the Notice has asked that members of the public do not attend in person. If they wish to follow the inquiry, they should do so on the live webcast.
In addition to the comms issued by the Reporter, Officers will arrange for the link to the hearing to be publicised on the Council’s social media channels nearer the time.
