LoveDougalston SCIO is a group of local residents who voluntarily came together in Spring 2020 united by the aim of protecting and preserving Dougalston greenbelt from unnecessary development. We are currently awaiting the view of the reporter appointed by the Scottish Government to examine the council's position regarding East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) greenbelt local development plan (LDP2), in particular, regarding Dougalston Estate. We are expecting this to be published late May 2022, early June 2022.

All our efforts to date have incurred significant expense including but not limited to, commissioning a detailed environmental and amenity report which was submitted to the council with our response to the draft LDP2, engaging with a highly respected law firm to steer us through this process, setting up LoveDougalston as a charity and setting up our website www.lovedougalston.co.uk. All costs to date have been met by three generous local patrons of LoveDougalston.

Clearly we are not at the end of the process and whilst we await the decision of the reporter we have to consider challenging this depending on the outcome. Even a positive outcome for Dougalston at the end of the LDP2 process leads to the beginning of LDP3.

In order for us to continue our efforts to preserve the protected status of Dougalston and the merits and benefits it provides, we now need to raise funds to support LoveDougalston through the next stage. Donations to our campaign will greatly aid our fight to preserve and protect Dougalston.

UPDATE - 12/7/22 - LDP2 report release

The Reporters have now published their findings regarding Douglaston and LDP2 EDCC. The examination was carried out by Mr Keith Bray BSc (Hons) MRTPI and Mr Gordon Reid BSc(Hons) MRTPI. They considered a total of 38 issues.

The reporters undertook a comprehensive series of site inspections, and on some issues requested additional further information in writing. The examination has, however, been concluded and they did not require to hold any hearing or inquiry sessions. The report of the examination, which includes the reporters' recommendations for each issue, is now available to download using the address below.

Scottish Reporter Examination Report LDP2

The relevant pages for Dougalston are found on p615 to p616 and from p619 to p620. On p622 you will also find a list of the many hundreds of supporters that gave their time to submit representations.

The reporters' findings are aligned with EDC and the policy surrounding the Greenbelt in so far as the 5-year housing stock is met. This outcome is to be welcomed; however, some concerns remain. Although LoveDougalston will take advice on elements of the reporters' remarks, we do know that British Land will be back again. We may have prevailed in this round but there will be more rounds to fight.

What is clear from the report, is that the high level of support made a real difference. In that regard, we ask you to please stick with our campaign and help us retain the fabulous green space and the incredible natural and historic environment that is Dougalston.

To this end we thank everyone who has already kindly donated and we invite your ongoing support and contributions, so we can continue to protect and preserve Dougalston and surrounding areas.