Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw and East Renfrewshire MP Blair McDougall have both submitted letters in support of Woodfarm Education Trust’s plans to extend Woodfarm Education Centre (WEC) on Burns Grove in Thornliebank.
The building is currently used daily by a local Muslim community organisation for day-care, elderly drop-in services, educational purposes and limited sports uses, as well as for weekly prayer services on Fridays and twice yearly Eid services.
Woodfarm Education Centre (Image: Newsquest)
If approved, the plans which have attracted 58 objections, 60 letters in support and one further representation, would see a sports hall built in part of the existing car park for activities such as yoga, badminton, boxing, table tennis and snooker.
Scottish Conservative politician Mr Carlaw said: “The extension to the facility would help to incentivise participation in sports and health promoting activities alongside the established prayer, day and elderly care, study and education services at the centre.
“On top of this, one aim of building the extension is to encourage members of the wider local community to make use of the centre and participate in the activities that would be available at the new sports hall.”
Jackson Carlaw MSP (Image: Newsquest)
Labour politician Mr McDougall also expressed strong support for the proposed expansion in his letter as he urged the planning committee to approve the development.
“Across East Renfrewshire, there is a clear shortage of sports facilities and accessible indoor space for schools, clubs, and community groups,” he said.
“The proposed expansion of Woodfarm Centre would provide essential sports hall provision and boost East Renfrewshire’s capacity to host sports clubs and events.
“I know that Woodfarm already has a strong track record of bringing the local community together, and this development will further support young people, families, and residents of all ages to stay active and engaged in positive activities.”
Blair McDougall (Image: Newsquest)
As previously reported, however, residents have raised concerns that the extension would increase traffic volume in local streets and exacerbate current problems with congestion, speeding and inadequate parking provision.
One of the objectors said: “The proposed sports facility is likely to result in a significant increase in vehicle movements, particularly during evenings and weekends.
“The surrounding road network is already congested at peak times, and the development risks exacerbating traffic problems and creating potential road safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists. Geographically, this facility is right at the centre of three very busy schools.
“The current situation with traffic around busy times is unsustainable so making the WEC bigger will only result in more traffic pressures and potential harm to the safety of our young people.”
Woodfarm High School is one of three schools nearby (Image: Newsquest)
Another added: “I live in the area and see the effects it already has on the surrounding streets.
“It already suffers from poor parking, speeding, light, and noise pollution.
“By increasing the size you increase the problems.
“The numbers already regularly exceed the capacity on the original plans.”
Woodfarm Education Centre (Image: Newsquest)
In his letter, however, Mr Carlaw said that the planning support statement sets out that the extension to the building “is not expected to increase the total number of users at the centre.”
“The planning application document shows that there will only be a small amount of additional parking spaces with a marginal increase from 70 at present to 74 in future,” he added.
“The statement also makes reference to the work that already takes place just now at the centre to ensure attendance at any one time is limited to what is considered as appropriate.
“Given the existing centre building is a long-standing structure on the land in Thornliebank and with the proposal simply to extend the facility within the footprint of the overall site, the location is clearly appropriate to host the facility.”
The end of the consultation period is stated online as January 13, however, many comments for and against the application have been received and published by the East Renfrewshire Council beyond this date, including Mr Carlaw’s and Mr McDougall’s.
A letter accompanying the application, submitted by architects SGA Studio on behalf of WET, said that the needs of the community centre had been considered and a decision had been made that the best use of resources was to expand the facilities available to provide more sports and health and fitness.
“The centre has run successfully for several years under the current management scheme and is considered a valuable resource by the local Muslim community,” it added.
