Achi news desk-
East Dunbartonshire Council has received funding from the Scottish Government to build a new school for 1,400 pupils on the Whitegates Park site in Lenzie which was identified as the preferred site in September 2022.
The project is expected to cost £85million, with a target of opening to pupils by December 2027 at the latest.
However, the proposal to build the school on the site of one of only two neighborhood parks has been met with anger.
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Those campaigning to save the park have raised a number of issues with the proposed development.
In 2018 a feasibility study was carried out to examine the possibility of building an ASN school on the site.
He noted a number of issues with Whitegates proposal, including the presence of toxic and phytotoxic contamination.
The report stated that “harmful gas emissions may be present in high concentrations” and that the area “is located within an area with a potential maximum radon of 5-10%”.
He noted that there was a toxic excess of lead, nickel, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)flouranthen, and dibenze(a,h)anthracene.
East Dunbartonshire Council said: “A new intrusive Land Investigation survey will be carried out as part of the Lenzie Academy project which will inform the design and will be independently assessed as part of the planning application for the project .”
The feasibility study further found a variety of bird species “of conservation concern” including the willow warbler, thrush and sandpiper.
There was also potential habitat for other species of conservation concern including sparrows, starlings and barn owls as well as at least 24 trees with roosting potential for bats.
The study also said the pond had “good habitat potential” for the water vole, although no signs were found.
East Dunbartonshire Council said: “The relevant ecology surveys continue to be carried out on site and will inform detailed proposals to address issues such as ecological impact and biodiversity.
“Once completed these surveys will be independently assessed through the planning application process.”
A petition to save the park has attracted more than 2,000 signatures, with the 2022 feasibility report stating that one of the challenges associated with the site would be the loss of a place which is “beneficial for the community to have access to a world nature”.
The plans are currently in a statutory consultation period which will run until Wednesday June 19.
One of the local residents, Wendy Maguire, said: “Our children deserve the best site for their new Lenzie Academy. East Dunbartonshire’s favorite site, Whitegates park, is clearly not the best place to build a school.
“Limited parking and access from the highway, flooding and toxic soil contamination means we need to look again at the alternatives.
“This park, with its mature woodland and wildlife, plays a vital role in our community. East Dunbartonshire Council refers to Whitegates park as an asset – it is, and one that should remain for generations to enjoy it.”
