Glencaple residents battle Scottish Water plans

A GROUP of Glencaple residents are battling against Scottish Water’s plans to do extensive wastewater works in the village. Ground re-profiling works to raise the embankment, the installation of rock armour reinforcement to the embankment, the installation of a draw-off kiosk, and creation of a service lay-by are all in the pipeline. Scottish Water has submitted a planning application to carry out the works on land next to the River Nith shoreline and close to The Boathouse Restaurant. It is deemed necessary as part of a programme to address wastewater capacity issues within the village. However, a dozen local residents have lodged objections with the council, raising numerous issues around the visual impact and proposed use of granite – which is not in keeping with the village. Council planning case officer David Hearton is satisfied the plans comply with the council’s local development plan and has recommended approval. His report reads: “The proposed rock armour is to be formed in granite, and has been designed in a manner that will allow for seeding/planting between the rock crevices which, once established, will minimise the visual impact of the development. “The proposed draw-off kiosk, which is to be located adjacent to the proposed service lay-by, will measure approximately 1.25 metres in height, and be clad in timber, whilst the ventilation pipe, which is to be located in close proximity to the new septic tanks (being installed under permitted development rights), will be of galvanised steel construction, measure approximately four metres in height, and have a painted finish. “The service lay-by itself, which requires to be of a size to accommodate a tanker, is to be formed in grasscrete, and will be accessed from Shore Road via dropped-kerb arrangements. “Bollards and chains will be placed at the entrance and exit points to the lay-by so as to prevent public access whilst in use by the tanker.” The 12 letters of objections sent to the council underlined several key issues. Residents are concerned that the use of granite for the rock armour will detract from the visual setting of the village, the adjacent sandstone harbour, and National Scenic Area. One stated: “Using cost as justification for granite over sandstone is unacceptable.” Concerns were also shared around the visual impact of land raising works, and the siting, height and appearance of the proposed vent pipe. They have also insisted that discharge into the River Nith should not be allowed, pointing out that SEPA specifies that discharging into a water course is not permitted. Another argument in the report states: “No evidence has been provided to support the suggestion that the development will not have an adverse effect on water quality.” Councillors will determine the application at the next planning committee.