Planning Threat to Ashfield
by Derek Smith
(Posted 06/10/07)

Fellow speedway supporters. The following appeal has the full backing of the Glasgow Speedway promotion and, I'm certain, will feature in their future announcements/features in the coming weeks. Unfortunately the information was only confirmed post the print deadline for this week's match programme thus it has been agreed that I would get it into the public domain without further delay.

A planning application has been submitted to Glasgow City Council for housing and offices on the site of the Ashfield Club pub and adjacent car park (used by the speedway for Season Ticket holders). Obviously if planning permission is granted Glasgow Speedway anticipate being subject to even more noise issues than at present.

Details are as below. Anyone can visit the DRS offices at 229 George Street and ask to see the application - a copy should be public available.

Reference: 07/02555/DC Community Cnl: Possilpark

Address: Site At 404 Hawthorn Street Glasgow

Proposal: Erection of mixed use development comprising flatted residential and office use (Class 2): Contrary to Development Policy Principle 11 Greenspace of the City Plan.

Date Received: 10.08.2007 Date Valid: 27.08.2007

Earlier this year, the Glasgow City Plan was reviewed and, with potential good fortune for speedway, the Plan allocated Ashfield Stadium as a designated "Greenspace" - as such policies would make it difficult for planning permission to be granted for housing without a replacement "Greenspace" facility being provided.

Time is of the essence to submit constructive and valid objections to this planning application, these can emanate from any sympathiser and not necessarily a Glasgow/local resident. We would suggest that as well as raising an objection yourself, you ALSO encourage as many people as possible to similarly submit an objection.

IMPORTANT All individuals must actually object as opposed to merely expressing their concern etc and we'd suggest that typical grounds for the objection could/should reference such things as:

• explaining that the application should be refused as it is contrary to the greenspace policy of the approved City
  Plan 1 and draft City Plan 2
• that it would prejudice an existing greenspace use - speedway racing / junior football
• that it would result in the loss of the sport of speedway from the city after 60 years
• no other suitable venue for speedway within the City
• loss of a North City local amenity
• attraction of thousands of visitors every year to Glasgow, with impact of lost revenue to local business
• true family sport
• Glasgow Speedway educational initiatives with Glasgow schools
  - etc etc (I'm certain you could think of many more)

Please be assured that the information is 100% accurate and has been validated by the most reliable of sources under advice to Glasgow Speedway.

Your direct action is required NOW to assist us in recording as large a wave of public objection as possible on the grounds outlined below:

All letters should be sent to:
Director of Development & Regeneration Services
Glasgow City Council
229 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1QU

or via e-mail to:
regeneration@glasgow.gov.uk

**NB** In ALL cases correspondence MUST include the application/reference details quoted above

If anyone wishes any further guidance on recording their objection, please feel free to contact me derek@glastigers.co.uk otherwise speak with any of the promotion.

Please help spread the word amongst speedway supporters generally via whatever means.

Thank you for your support

Derek Smith
on behalf of Glasgow Speedway

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