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Elected Members joint statement on Torbrae

The independent reporter’s decision to overrule the council denial of planning consent for the repurposing of the former Torbrae care home to house asylum seekers in Castlemilk is hugely disappointing.

Whilst there is a clear need for suitable accommodation, the former care home site is not appropriate for the provision of such accommodation, and is too remote to provide the necessary support services required for asylum seekers arriving in the city – a point that the community and City Council repeatedly made to the contract holders Mears. Humanitarian concerns remain.

The local community, through planning representations, highlighted such issues and made it clear to Glasgow City Council that the proposed development was not suitable on this site. Something the Council took on board when initially rejecting the application.

These wishes should be respected.

Any opportunity to challenge this outcome is only available through the courts and we understand that Glasgow City Council is currently considering what these options are. All the elected representatives together with the Community Council would support any attempts to pursue this.

We have made these views known, on behalf of our constituents, to all relevant parties and will remain fully engaged in the situation as it develops.

Stewart McDonald MP

James Dornan MSP

Bailie Glenn Elder

Cllr Margaret Morgan

Cllr Malcolm Cunning

Cllr Euan Blockley

Chris Lang Chair, Castlemilk Community Council