Sandra's Holyrood Diary

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Issue 19 - January 2003

Sandra Introduces Bill for Right of Appeal in Planning Controversies

Glasgow SNP MSP Sandra White has launched a bill in the Scottish Parliament to give third parties the right of appeal against the granting of controversial planning applications.

Existing law gives the right of appeal to applicants and local authorities buy precludes third parties from making an appeal.

Commenting on the bill Sandra said "The executive missed a major opportunity when its planning consultation failed to include a question to the issue of third party rights of appeal. Many believe that the current system is unfairly weighted in favour of the developer.

"Communities have no recourse in the face of bad planning decisions. I believe we must restore public confidence in a system which all too often has ridden roughshod over local opposition to controversial planning applications."

"My bill would give campaigners, such as those involved in the Thornwood Park controversy the right to appeal which is denied to them. I am appalled that local communities ca have unpopular developments force. upon them as has happened all too often in the West End recently

"I have received tremendous support for my bill. I hope the Scottish Executive will give their support to this, proposal and help restore public confidence in the planning system."

Sandra addressed a highly successful meeting organised by Hillhead Community Council on the public water supply. Officials from the council and Scottish Water were present. Local people raised concerns over the use of lead pipes in the public water supply.

It became clear that many of the city's tenement properties water supply still comes via lead piping. Calls were made for pilot schemes to be initiated to ascertain how many households still receive water through lead pipes,

Sandra's office continues to be inundated with enquiries from constituents deeply concerned by the Scottish Government approved plan to cut the number of accident & emergency units in Glasgow from 5 to 2 leaving the West End of the city with no full A&E cover. Sandra commenting on the continuing controversy said, "I believe this is an issue which all of Glasgow's politicians should unite for the good of the city. However I am deeply disappointed that none of the Glasgow Labour MSPs voted for a motion opposing the A&E cuts when debated in Parliament. The decision taken to review the situation in 5 years time will be too late, as our A&E cover will be long gone. I have consistently opposed the reduction in A&E units and will continue to press the Labour/ Liberal coalition government to reverse their decision.

Police forces were first established in Scotland from 1800 onwards, some 29 years before the Peelers in London. In 1800 a Bill was promoted by Glasgow Town Council to establish a regular police force in the city. Glasgow merchant, John Graham, became the first Police Superintendent in 1862. Contrary to British history books, Sir Robert Peel in London was not the founder of modern policing. Sandra has backed a parliamentary motion, recognising this and the contribution made by police officers over the years. Sandra commented, "We should take pride in the contribution made by the police over the years, from the early pioneers to their modem counterparts. They do an excellent job, which I have seen at first hand having joined them on the beat many times, however they continue to be under-resourced. I have been campaigning since I was first elected for more resources to enable our hard pressed police to carry out their duties and will continue to do so"

Parliamentary Questions

Sandra has lodged questions on a wide range of issues including the Glasgow Housing Stock Transfer, Accident & Emergency Units, Civic Government Act, the Sell Off of Playing Fields for Housing Developments, Finnieston Bridge, Regeneration of the River Clyde, Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and the Uplift of Bulk Refuse Service.

Parliamentary Debates

Sandra has spoken in the debates on the Dog Fouling Bill, the Local Government Bill, Domestic Abuse and the Housing (Private Rented Sector) debate.

Motions

Sandra currently has motions lodged on Victim Support Glasgow, Digital Hearing Aids, Glasgow City Council's Withdrawal of the Bulk Uplift Service, Exploitation of Women and Community Policing.