PLANS to develop a park gifted to the people of Glasgow in 1915 have been criticised by locals who claim it will rob the area of its last green space.
A proposal to build a childcare facility, offices and a car park at Glenconner Park in Royston will go before the council's planning committee for approval today.
But they face objections from residents and Lord Glenconner, the colourful aristocrat who used to own the Caribbean island of Mustique and whose father originally gifted the park for recreational use.
Tessa Tennant, Lord Glenconner's daughter-in-law, said that if planning is granted the family would pursue a legal action to ensure the development does not take place. "When the park was gifted, it was under the condition that it would be used as open space, " she said. "We've had legal opinion the disposition is still binding and, if planning approval is granted, we will seek an interdict. The park belongs to the people of Royston."
The proposals would enable St Rochs Childcare Services to offer spaces for an extra 250 children and would see a nursery, office accommodation, sports changing facilities and a community cafe built on two disused bowling greens.
In a letter in The Herald today, Lord Glenconner claims local people have been "shortchanged" by the planning process. "The voice of the people has not been heard."
The weight of objections to the proposal would mean that it would have to go before Scottish ministers for approval if approved by councillors today.
John Moynes, councillor for the Royston ward, said that his efforts to broker a compromise between residents and St Rochs had proved unsuccessful. He said: "There is a need for childcare within the Royston corridor. At the same time, I'm concerned by the loss of part of Glenconner Park."
The row comes as architectural experts criticised a multimillion pound masterplan for the River Clyde featuring a LasVegas style supercasino.
Plans for the mixed-use development on the River Clyde are expected to get planning approval today. But officials from an architecture and design watchdog founded by the Scottish Executive have raised concerns about the quality of the public spaces incorporated in the plan.
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