First, here's Gav's report:
SG had a QC make a presentation to the Committee outlining the plans and then the floor was open, mainly to objectors, to put forward their views. Most of those speaking where local residents or businesses who objected to the supermarket plans due to problems with traffic, infrastructure etc.
Most of the concerns are based on worries about what will happen with the new supermarket, but I think Councillors - especially in planning - must hear this kind of thing all the time.
The main corporate objection was from McDonald Estates who have bought the Arnott's site. They were objecting on the fact that there is more need for food retail in the centre of Paisley. Not on the outskirts. Clearly no vested interest from them.
One fan got up to support the proposals. I was going to back him up at the end, after hearing what the Saints had to say in response to the comments. But the convenor obviously wanted home sharp, so wrapped it up quite quickly, despite a couple more people having their hands up.
None of the Councillors present asked any questions. Not sure if that suggests they have already made their mind up or not.
It is maybe worth considering what the fans could do to make their views known more clearly. Not talking demonstrations or anything, but just a clear, objective statement of support, both for the stadium move and possibly more importantly - because it seems to be the key sticking point - the new supermarket. From the initial presentation the ground move itself is not a problem.
The Council will produce a report for the planning board which will be available three days before the planning meeting on 24 May.
Now, here's Drew's:
I spoke to SG both before and after the Hearing this afternoon. He was glad that there was representation from people in support of the applications and afterwards seemed to be relatively upbeat about how it went. As Gav pointed out, the objections were relatively predictable, focussing on issues of increased traffic, noise etc. The Chair of the hearing, a Councillor Green, was pretty quick to indicate that many of these issues are the domain of the roads and building control depts and fall outwith the remit of the planning dept with specific reference to the Club's proposals.
As Gav pointed out, one of the main objections came from McDonald Estates re the Arnotts building. Their argument wasn't compelling IMHO and seemed to be motivated by their own self-interest (understandably enough).
The QC drew a parallel with the situation re Warrington Rugby League Club as a precedent set whereby despite the fact that several objections to the siting of a superstore where their previous ground was located were found to be valid, planning permission was granted. This decision was based on specific material grounds (ie. the survival of the club, the value of the latter to the community, economic benefit etc.).
Prior to the hearing, an interesting point came out of my brief chat with SG. He pointed out that the head guy in the planning dept is new to this area and had made reference to what he perceived as the muted support for the club's proposals. He obviously expected more lobbying from the Saints support and general community. SG said that it was deemed appropriate not to advocate marches down the High St etc at the risk of this being hi-jacked by a few headbangers who might discredit the whole thing. This makes perfect sense, but could have backfired to a degree because this head guy in planning would have expected more vocal support. Hence SG being pleased by the support this afternoon.
Back to me talking again now. Information about what Warrington Wolves done can be found at http://www.warringtonwolves.com/news/2000/July/17072000-2.html and makes interesting reading.
Recent rumours suggest that the council aren't too favourable about the sale of Love Stret and we might not get permission to sell to a supermarket firm. Let's hope those rumours aren't true. Next week will give us an indication of what's happening when a report from the town planner is released, with Tuesday 24th set to be the day of the announcement.
It's probably not too late to write to the council and tell them how important Saints are to Paisley and how helpful a supermarket would be for the town.
I've already written to the Director of Planning stressing how important it is. The address is: The Director of Planning
Gilmour House
County Square
Gilmour Street
Paisley
PA1 1BY
Or you could write to the chief executive of Renfrewshire Council, whose address is: Mr Tom Scholes
Chief Executive
Renfrewshire Council
HQ North Building
County Buildings
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1WB
Get writing, it might just make a difference.