Plans for new nursery prompt fury and 100 plus formal objections in Bothwell

And it has emerged that well over 100 formal letters of objection have been filed to planners to date

The proposed design of the two-storey building between two homes and the choice of site have frustrated and angered local householders who have a long list of concerns about the site’s suitability.

In particular, they believe it will cause misery for locals and others trying to make their way through the area at peak times, exacerbating traffic and parking problems, which have been growing steadily since the first families started moving in to the nearby 100-plus new homes at the Miller Bothwellbank development .

Clyde Terrace resident Joanna Pugh said: “This will create a perfect storm of chaos and congestion for traffic and parking, with serious implications for road safety and quality of life for local residents.

“Both Clyde Avenue and Clyde Terrace are relatively narrow streets with local residents already occupying the vast majority of on street space. Introducing what could be another 200 plus car journeys each day by parents dropping off and picking up their children will create massive problems.

“We believe a proper and thorough traffic impact analysis would confirm how unsuitable this site is.”

It is claimed there is no provision for an outdoor play area for the nursery pupils and not enough room on site for staff parking which means the majority of staff will need to park on the already crowded street, adding to the significant problems for parents dropping off and picking up their children.

While residents welcome the start of recent regeneration work at Wooddean Park, which backs on to the proposed nursery site, they are now concerned that attracting more visitors there by car will cause even more traffic and parking problems, if the nursery goes ahead.

Another local resident, Michael McLaughlin said: “The absence of any meaningful consultation does give the impression that the council does not want the site to be subjected to any close scrutiny. “

Other local residents believe strongly that the Clyde Terrace site is being pursued as a ‘less than ideal compromise’ but nevertheless a ‘fait accompli’.

It is claimed that this is because the council pulled out of its previously favoured site at Woodlands in Bothwell, which had been identified as the best site through an extensive site appraisal process.

This process considered and rejected other site options, including Clyde Terrace.

“As a result, the council is now running out of time to complete a nursery, to meet higher levels of demand in August 2021.

This is at a time when local authorities are required to fulfil the Scottish Government’s plans for enhanced free nursery provision.

When offered a right to reply by the Motherwelll Times, the council’s Head of Planning and Economic Development, Pauline Elliott, said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment on a live planning application, however all representations will be fully considered by the committee.

“It is likely that this application will be heard at a planning committee in early 2021.”