Controversial Cumbernauld planning application row continues

A Cumbernauld councillor has been explaining why he'll be voting against a controversial plan to bring an off-sales to Kildrum.

The second bid to turn the defunct Red Comyn into a licensed grocers has been opposed by Kildrum Community Council.

Members thought they had seen the back of the proposal last April when planners at North Lanarkshire Council threw it out.

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However, the plan was successfully appealed at Scottish Government level and the planning process has started again.

Councillor Tom Johnston has now asked to address the licensing board on the issue and has made it clear why he opposes the opening of an off-sales.

The Scottish Nationalist said: “Many people here are up in arms about this.

“The local community shops have a good and long record of refraining from alcohol licenses out of respect for the clear wishes of local residents.

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“It is totally unfair if they now face competition from a new, centrally located store which is then given the added advantage of selling alcohol.

“It is sold in Braehead Road, Millcroft Road and Asda. So clearly, ample provision exists.

“An extra licensed store would simply mean more patrolling pressure on the police.

“Some two years ago, I dealt with a drinking hotspot below flats in Clouden Road.

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“Two tenants, living alone, actually gave up their homes for transfer because of the constant loitering below their homes.

“We don’t want this sort of thing to recur.

“I am particularly worried pupils from Cumbernauld Academy could be paying lunchtime visits to a store with alcohol on display.”

As we reported, members of Kildrum Community Council urged locals to file written objections to NLC before the cut-off date of last Wednesday.

Since then, the council has confirmed that these objections have run into the hundreds, as planning staff were bombarded with correspondence.

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It has also been confirmed that the proposal has not secured a slot in the upcoming meeting of the committee which will be held on Friday, October 28.

However, a council spokesperson confirmed that the issue could possibly be discussed at the next meeting of the committee in November.