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3rd June 2013

Strategy gives new vision for woodlands in Glasgow and Clyde Valley

A new woodland strategy for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley aims to support the economy, the environment and improve the lives of people living in the area.

Over a period of 25 years, the Strategy will expand woodlands in the area and breathe new life into existing ones. This will result in more trees around towns and villages, especially in post-industrial areas.

There will be better access to woodlands for communities, the development of woodland businesses and the linking up of important environmental habitats.

The Strategy was launched today by Environment & Climate Change Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, during a visit to Castlemilk Community Woodlands.

Mr Wheelhouse said:

“Glasgow and the Clyde Valley has a valuable woodland resource to tap into and this Strategy gives a clear direction on how we should develop this wonderful natural asset over the next 25 years.

“We need to expand and manage our woodlands in a sensitive manner and make sure they work hard to prove benefits for local people, business and the environment.

“I have heard much about the project in Castlemilk and delighted to see such an exciting example of how the woodlands in Castlemilk are providing employment training and being used for educational purposes too, to raise awareness among local school pupils as to the value of woodlands as a recreational resource and the importance of looking after our woodland”

The Strategy will also make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network, which is transforming the central belt into a more attractive and healthier place to live.

Stuart Tait, Strategic Development Plan Manager said:

“Forestry has a significant contribution to make to the regional economy and is a fundamental part of Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. It has a crucial role in the delivery of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley and Central Scotland Green Network.

“This Forestry and Woodland Strategy guides and informs decisions on new planting, investment programmes and grant support now and over the coming years. Delivery of woodland creation and expansion within this framework is central to the development of a sustainable future and encouraging a shift towards a low carbon economy.”

During his visit to Castlemilk Community Woodlands, Mr Wheelhouse met people working on the Central Scotland Green Network’s employability project and children involved in environmental education with the Jeely Piece Club.

Through a partnership of local agencies and Forestry Commission Scotland, Castlemilk Community Woodland has been transformed from a perceived ‘no-go’ area to a popular place for the local community. 

In partnership with Cassiltoun Housing Association, Forestry Commission Scotland has funded a full-time community woodland officer in Castlemilk who has improved access to the site and laid on many activities and events.

Richard Bolton, Community Woodland Officer at Castlemilk added:

"The woodland runs right through the heart of Castlemilk and for many local residents it is a very special place.

“The woodland forms an important part of their daily life. It is a route to local schools and shops, a place for walking or to play or discover rich flora and fauna. For others it's simply a place full of their childhood memories.

"I’m really pleased that the great community work we are doing here is helping bring the Strategy to life.”

files/Glasgow_and_Clyde_Valley_Forestry_and_Woodland_Stategy.pdf 4MB

28^th March 2013

The GCVSDPA have today published its Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement (March 2013/14).

The purpose of the Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement is to set out the Authority’s programme for preparing, reviewing and consulting on its Strategic Development Plan.

The principle focus for 2013/4 will be on re-engaging with key stakeholders, principally through the establishment of the Environment Forum and the Economy, Infrastructure and Place Making Forum and recognising  the ongoing review of the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy.

Today the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Planning Authority published its 2012 Annual Report.

2012 was an important year for the Authority as it saw the approval by Scottish Ministers in May 2012 of the first ever Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan (SDP) and the publication of its related Action programme in August 2012.

The SDP

• promotes a Sustainable Development Strategy which includes the City Centre, Clyde Waterfront (including Riverside Inverclyde and Clydebank Rebuilt), Clyde Gateway and Ravenscraig as core development locations;

• identifies 20 Strategic Economic Investment Locations to support economic activity in the key sectors of the economy;

• promotes Glasgow City Centre as the employment, civic and cultural core of the city region;

• identifies a network of 23 strategic centres to support their community role and diversity of functions,

• identifies 13 Community Growth Areas for approximately 20,000 new homes;

• promotes High Speed Rail

• promotes the key role of Glasgow International Airport;

• promotes the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Green Network and related spatial priorities including a Forestry and Woodland Framework;

• sets a context for natural resources including surface coal, aggregate minerals, wind energy and biomass;

• recognises the risk in delivering the strategy in the current economic climate. 

The priorities for the future work of the GCVSDPA will be influenced, amongst other things, by a number of issues including

• the impacts of the economic recession on delivery of the key priorities of the SDP and the implications of reduced financial and staff resources in both the public and private sectors;

• the Scottish Ministers approval letter on the SDP;

• the Scottish Government’s review of SDP’s during 2013;

• the outcomes of the Scottish Government’s review of Scottish Planning Policy, the Town Centres Review and publication of National Planning Framework 3;

• the increasing emphasis upon the role of cities;

• the refocusing of joint working topic group arrangements to reflect the current policy agendas and to support wider stakeholder engagement.

• Monday, 11^th March, 2013, East Dunbartonshire Council

• Monday, 10^th June, 2013, Glasgow City Council

• Monday, 16^th September, 2013, North Lanarkshire Council

• Monday, 9^th December, 2013, East Renfrewshire Council

The approach taken in respect of the Action Programme has been to develop the range of actions and the progress associated with each of the SDP’s spatial development priorities and draws upon the existing NPF2 Action Programme under the main headings of the proposal, the lead Partner/delivery organisations and progress.

In preparing the Action Programme, the Authority has consulted and considered the views of the constituent Local Authorities, the Key Agencies (Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Health Boards), Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government and those who the Authority has specified by name.