Buddies desperate to save the green space at Dykebar Hospital are being urged to take part in a final show of strength to fight the planned housing development.
Save Paisley’s Green Space yesterday issued a call to arms for people opposed to the planned Thornly Park village to take part in a demonstration.
The campaign group - which has vehemently fought the proposal for two years - was last month dealt a heavy blow when the Scottish Government Reporter issued a notice of intent to grant planning permission for the 600-house development.
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Bellway Homes, Cala Homes and Barratt Homes’ application to build 603 homes on 95 acres of greenbelt off Grahamston Road was initially thrown out by Renfrewshire Council.
But handing down his notice of intent last month, the Reporter said he could “not justify” upholding the local authority’s decision.
Recognising problems with schools, roads and biodiversity, the planning chief said these could all be addressed with 20 conditions attached the planning permission.
Undeterred however the campaigners say they are as determined as ever to make their voices heard before the reporter issues his final decision.
A spokesperson for Save Paisley’s Green Space said the will of local people to fight the development has not dampened.
She said: “This demonstration aims to show the strength of feeling within the local community in the hope that the Scottish Reporter will have a change of heart.
“Everybody we speak to feels the same; they raise the same issues to which we have objected to all along.
“Last week we had a committee meeting in which we asked for new members and a whole host of people, from all walks of life, came along.
“They were sharing their stories as to why they wanted to save this green space and people are still in disbelief that this is being allowed to go ahead.”
She added: “What it has also shown us is that there is absolutely still a huge appetite within Paisley to stand up and fight this. That’s why we are gauging people’s opinion on taking part in a potential demonstration which we hope to take place within the coming few weeks.”
The group hopes to host the protest quickly before the Scottish Government Reporter formally issues his decision, expected within an estimated six weeks.
Save Paisley’s Green Space was established after builders threatened green spaces within the Paisley Southwest ward, both at Dykebar Hospital and the former University of the West of Scotland campus at Thornly Park.
Miller Homes is seeking to build 179 homes on the sports pitches and on land where the Robertson Sports Complex and student accommodation was situated.
Should the Dykebar development go ahead it will see a range of homes from one-bedroom flats to five-bed detached houses built around a central meadow where the wetland is currently situated.
It is expected to take eight years to complete.
The building consortium has been approached for comment.
There is no date for the proposed demonstration yet. Anyone who is keen to take part is being asked to pledge their support on the Save Paisley’s Green Space Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/savepaisleysgreenspace/
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