Carmyle residents said they were ‘deeply disappointed’ to learn that councillors had voted through an amendment to the original plan of the use of land being sold at Kenmuir Road to Carmyle Developers as part of a new housing project.

Approval to rubber-stamp the £1.45 million deal was granted during a fiery meeting of Glasgow City Council’s Contracts and Property Committee on Thursday afternoon.

While a few elected members voiced concerns over aspects of the road, such as if there is ample room to accommodate it and fears it could flood, the majority voted to approve after a near-30 minute debate.

The proposals have been opposed by Carmyle Re:Run, a community action group set up by locals, including resident Chris Mitchell. It wants to reinvigorate the community by working to restore and reopen the community centre, reclaim the land, extend the existing two primary schools and upgrade the swing parks.

They say the road will compromise safety as it is too narrow, is situated right next to the River Clyde and a close to a busy cycle route. They also believe it will be unsuitable for the HGVs required in the construction phase of the housing development and had put forward an alternative site to the north.

Chris told the Glasgow Times the group felt let down by the decision.

Chris Mitchell, convener GMB Union pictured outside Glasgow City Chambers. (Image: Colin Mearns)

He said: We are deeply disappointed. We simply do not believe that this is the right location for an access road to be built. A better solution would be to look at coming through the East End, and we fully intend to keep challenging for this.

“We realise there is a housing emergency, and we have nothing against regeneration across Glasgow, but it must be done in the right places and at the right time. That’s not here. The people of Carmyle feel badly let down by what is being allowed to happen.”

The group however can celebrate one victory after it emerged during the meeting that nearby Orchard Park, which was originally set to be lost as part of the development, is set to be saved and could remain under council control.

Carmyle residents outside Glasgow City Chambers (Image: GT)

Mr Mitchell said: “We have been fighting hard to safeguard Orchard Park, so that was very positive news. It is a treasured community asset and we are willing to work with the council to maintain it moving forward.

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“This will mean the people here will always have somewhere outdoors to enjoy.”

We told last week how talks with the group and City Property, who own the currently closed community centre, were moving forward with a view to handing the facility back to locals to run.

The council’s support for the disposal of land has led to tension with the community, who have been embroiled in a long-running fight to preserve Carmyle’s greenspace, saying that plans for a sprawling housing development would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area and local wildlife.

Council officers said at the meeting that they will continue to engage with residents, and that any remaining concerns will be taken into consideration by planning officers. They also say the creation of around 400 new homes will help to ease the social housing emergency across the city.