Green belt under threat near Balerno

Angry Balerno residents have stepped up their bid to protect a key piece of green land belt near the village.

Leaflets have been distributed to local residents following news that an exhibition for comments and objections to a housing development is being staged this week.

Developers Clarendon intend to build between 50 and 60 houses on green belt land adjacent to the Glenbrook/Johnsburn junction and the plans go on show on Wednesday from 3.30pm to 9pm in Balerno Community Centre.

Campaigners claim that if the development goes ahead it will set a precedent that will enable more houses to be built in the green belt land around Balerno.

They allege that each new house is also likely put an additional car onto the already congested Lanark Road in the rush hour periods and put pressure on local services and schools.

The leaflet claimed the proposed development was contrary to planning procedure and was not included in the local development plan.

Balerno and its surrounding areas, they allege, lack the infrastructure to support this proposal.

Gordon Macdonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, commented:  “You will be able to find out more about the development and submit comments to the developer.

“Local residents should attend in order to make their views known.”