Green Networks - Vacant and Derelict Land Study

Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study For Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

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Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study For Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

Prepared by: Mike Staples

Checked by: John Cleland

45 Timberbush Bernard Street Leith Edinburgh EH6 6QH Tel: Fax: Email

0131 555 5011 0131 555 4911 rpsed2@rpsgroup.com

Planning, Transport & Environment

O:\PROJECTS\0609sac\Reports\Green Network Final Report 6.6.06.doc

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

This report has been prepared within the RPS Group Quality Management System to British Standard EN ISO 9001 : 2000

STATUS: DATE:

FINAL 7 JUNE 2006

PROJECT MANAGER: PROJECT REVIEWER:

Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study SAC0609/MS/DH Final

RPS Planning, Transport & Environment

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

Contents 1.

Introduction...................................................................... 1

1.1 1.2

Background ............................................................................................1 Study Objectives ....................................................................................1

2.

Strategic Overview .......................................................... 3

3.

Site Characterisation....................................................... 5

4.

Prioritisation Matrix ....................................................... 11

5.

Project Plan .................................................................... 14

6.

Conclusions and Recommendations........................... 20

6.1 6.2

Conclusions..........................................................................................20 Recommendations ...............................................................................24

Appendix 1 – Ladyburn.................................................................................25 Appendix 2 – Keir Hardie Street...................................................................26 Appendix 3 – Gilmour Street ........................................................................27 Appendix 4 – Whitecroft ...............................................................................28 Appendix 5 – Port Glasgow..........................................................................29 Appendix 6 – Park Farm South ....................................................................30 Appendix 7 – Park Farm North.....................................................................31 Appendix 8 – Woodhall.................................................................................32 Appendix 9 – Brucehill..................................................................................33 Appendix 10 – Johnstone.............................................................................34 Appendix 11 – Ferguslie Park ......................................................................35 Appendix 12 – Palacerigg.............................................................................36 Appendix 13 – Craigend ...............................................................................37 Appendix 14 – Garthamlock .........................................................................38 Appendix 15 – Bishoploch ...........................................................................39 Appendix 16 – Gartcosh ...............................................................................40 Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study SAC0609/MS/DH Final

RPS Planning, Transport & Environment

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

Appendix 17 – Easterhouse .........................................................................41 Appendix 18 – Stepps ...................................................................................42 Appendix 19 – Broadfield .............................................................................43 Appendix 20 – Dumbarton Foreshore .........................................................44 Appendix 21 – Dumbuck...............................................................................45 Appendix 22 – Bardrainney ..........................................................................46

Figure A – Growth Corridors and Green Network Figure B(i) – Site Locations, Northeast Corridor Figure B(ii) – Site Locations, Western Corridor Figure C(i) – Site Rankings, Northeast Corridor Figure C(ii) – Site Rankings, Western Corridor Figures 1.1-1.22 – Site Location Plans Figures 2.1-2.22 – Site Photographs Figures 3.1-3.22 – Ecology Phase 1 Map Figures 4.1-4.22 – Designated Areas Figures 5.1–5.22 – Woodland Table 1 – Prioritisation Matrix Explanation Table 2 – Prioritisation Matrix

Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study SAC0609/MS/DH Final

RPS Planning, Transport & Environment

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

1.

Introduction

1.1

Background

June 2006

RPS was commissioned by the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee (in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage) to produce a Vacant and Derelict Land Study in respect of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network (Green Network).

The Green Network is a strategic initiative designed to revolutionise the supply and quality of green space across the Glasgow Metropolitan Region. This will be achieved via a programme of projects to be delivered across a diverse range of sites.

The programme will be designed to form an integrated network of green space.

One of the key objectives of the Green Network is to help create a competitive, high quality environment within the four Clyde Valley Structure Plan growth corridors.

This study relates to two of the strategic corridors – Northeast to Cumbernauld and West to Greenock.

The Green Network is linked to the overall regeneration strategy for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley and in this respect this report has a strategic role to play.

1.2

Study Objectives The purpose of this study, which is presented below, is to conduct surveys of identified vacant and derelict sites, open and semi-natural land and woodland within the growth corridors to assess their suitability for green enhancement. It is intended that this work will form the basis of a series of pilot projects that will initiate delivery of the Green Network and inform the development of a delivery strategy across the whole Green Network.

It is also intended that this study should identify and prioritise primary projects with a short-term delivery and secondary projects with longer-term deliverables. However, the proposed projects must fit into the wider strategic goals of the Green Network.

The following objectives were identified for the study: • • • • • • •

to identify vacant and derelict sites, open and semi-natural land and woodland lying within the two growth corridors; to assess the potential of identified sites for environmental enhancement in order to contribute to the overall Green Network; to prioritise those sites deemed most suitable based upon deliverability, size and ability to generate public benefit; to identify project opportunities on identified sites across a range of Green uses in order to expand and create linkages within the Green Network; to identify a first phase of short-term projects that can be easily delivered and a second-phase of longer-term projects; to assess any action that could be undertaken to enhance the benefits being delivered via the positive management of identified naturalised sites; and to link proposed activities to the overall strategic goals of the Green Network.

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

In order to meet these objectives, the study comprised the following activities: • • • •

Site Characterisation Framework – a detailed assessment of each of the identified sites, including appraisal of ground conditions, location, ecology and landscape; Prioritisation Matrix – prioritisation of the identified sites based on the findings of the assessments and taking into account “deliverability” of green enhancements and potential benefits; Project Plan – based upon those sites deemed most suitable for enhancement, a series of potential landscape projects will be proposed, taking into account timeframe and cost; and Conclusions and Recommendations – a summary of the report findings, relating the project proposals to the overall strategic goals of the green network and a series of recommendations relating to the manner in which the proposals may be progressed.

Although this study is focussed on two of the growth corridors, it is noted that the methodology adopted and tested through the course of the study will inform a delivery strategy for the remainder of the Green Network.

The study will therefore seek to establish a better understanding of: • • •

the minimum site information, and particularly constraints, that are required to be understood to usefully inform the feasibility of project ideas; the practicability of various categories of project ideas in relation to costs, delivery partners and sources of funding; and the deliverability of broader strategic gains, public benefits and linkages with the wider regeneration agenda throughout the Green Network.

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RPS Planning, Transport & Environment

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

2.

June 2006

Strategic Overview This study sets out to identify deliverable opportunities presented by individual sites within the Green Network and their specific attributes. However, it is important that any proposals can be linked to the wider strategic goals of the initiative; in particular that of creating an integrated network of quality green space. Figure A demonstrates the two growth corridors to which this report refers and the Green Network areas that the corridor overlaps.

The Green Network has an overall goal of improving the urban environment by enhancing and managing green space across the Glasgow Metropolitan area. The initiative will also wish to ensure that cumulative effects of green enhancement maximise public and regeneration benefits. These factors will be taken into account when prioritising sites.

The physical regeneration of the Clyde Valley area has been given strategic importance at a national level. The geographic priorities of the Scottish Executive’s Regeneration Statement (March 2006) identify the Clyde Corridor as the national regeneration priority, encompassing the Clyde Gateway, Clyde Waterfront and Riverside Inverclyde initiatives. The Green Network has an extremely important role to play in terms of ensuring that urban regeneration is inclusive of quality, usable green space, creating a healthy living environment and contributing to sustainability.

Green Network policy is informed by a number of strategic priorities that relate to the overall area regeneration of the Clyde Valley. To provide further strategic context and reflect the aims and objectives of the Green Network partners, the following have also been taken into account in the production of this report: • • • •

Technical Report (TR 5/05), Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Green Network; Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Forestry and Woodland Framework; 2006 Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Alteration; and Regeneration strategies relating to flagship initiatives falling within the study area: Clyde Waterfront, Riverside Inverclyde, Bishopton and Gartcosh.

This report relates to identifying potential pilot projects within two growth corridors to the west and northeast of Glasgow. Any pilot activity will have a significant strategic role to play in the development of the overall Green Network. In recognition of this, it has been ensured that the priorities of each of the Green Network partners have been taken into consideration when assessing the suitability of sites for green enhancement. This information was utilised in the development of the Prioritisation Matrix (Section 5).

Although the purpose of this report is to identify and assess the suitability of sites for enhancement, we will also seek to address the wider strategic goal of creating a “network” of green sites. Therefore we will take into account the potential to form a link between potential sites and areas, in addition to the size of individual sites.

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Legend Growth Corridors Green Network

Status: Drawn By: Approved By: Revision: Date: Scale

Final KM MS Figure 8.1 02/06/06

@ A3

0 9501,900

3,800 m

Growth Corridors and Green Network Figure A Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Survey

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

3.

June 2006

Site Characterisation The following is a description of the methodology applied to the growth corridors in order to identify the sites that are subjected to detailed appraisal within the Site Characterisation Framework.

A series of Desk Studies were undertaken utilising GIS and the Green Network Dataset with a view to identifying: • • • • •

the location and distribution of the priority sites with the Green Network and growth corridors; analysis of the main routes and thoroughfares from which the sites will be prominent and impressions of environmental and landscape quality gained; any existing published landscape characterisation of areas in which the sites fall (including any broadbrush or site-specific management strategies and enhancement objectives identified); the formal landscape policy context for each site; and any other citywide policies or strategies relevant to the future use of sites.

The Study was undertaken in 3 distinct stages: • • •

Identification of sites that lie within the overlap area of growth corridors and Green Network area.

Identification of any vacant or derelict land sites that lie within the overlap area. This identified 257 sites.

The identification of “open and semi-natural land” and woodland areas within the overlap area. This identified a further 1281 sites.

The above stages identified 1537 potential sites. An initial phase of prioritisation was applied to the sites in order to identify those most suitable for detailed assessment.

Initial prioritisation focussed on areas of vacant and derelict land because: i) ii)

removal of sites from the Vacant and Derelict Land Register is a priority of the Green Network; and GIS identified that a number of vacant and derelict sites are surrounded by large areas of open and semi-natural land and woodland that could be combined to form larger sites.

Further prioritisation was based on attributes of the vacant and derelict sites (site ownership, previous use, time vacant and potential future use as set out by local area plans). A similar exercise was undertaken in relation to open and semi-natural land, based upon land type.

This desk-based prioritisation identified a total of 43 vacant and derelict land sites and 1092 open and semi-natural land sites. These were identified on GIS and used to create new polygon shapefiles, followed by a manual scan of the vacant and derelict and open and semi-natural sites lying within the Green Network / growth corridor overlap.

This culminated in the identification of a total of 22 sites with the greatest potential for green enhancement. These sites are shown (by growth corridor) as Figures B(i) and B(ii).

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

Site walkovers and assessment of the 22 sites were subsequently conducted as part of the assessment process to consider aspects including Contaminated Land, Ecology and Landscape, including Landscape Architecture, which is addressed in further detail below.

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Legend Site Boundary

Site 12

Growth Corridors Green Network

Site Numbers and Ranking Outcome

Site 16 Site 13

Site 12 Palacerigg Site 13 Craigend Site 14 Garthamlock Site 15 Bishop Loch Site 16 Gartcosh Site 17 Easterhouse Site 18 Stepps

Site 15

Site 18

Status: Drawn By: Approved By: Revision: Date: Scale

Site 14

Final KM JD Figure 6.2 01/06/06

@ A3

0 5001,000

2,000 m

Site 17

Site Locations Northeast corridor Figure B(i) Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Survey Prioritisation Matrix

Legend Site Boundary

Site 1

Site 9

Site 2

Growth Corridors

Site 21 Site 8

Green Network

Site 4 Site Numbers and Ranking Outcome Site 1 Ladybburn Site 2 Keir Hardie Street Site 3 Gilmour Street Site 4 Whitecroft Site 5 Port Glasgow Site 6 Park Farm South Site 7 Park Farm North Site 8 Woodhall Site 9 Brucehill Site 10 Johnstone Site 11 Ferguslie Park Site 19 Broadfield Site 20 Dumbarton Foreshore Site 21 Dumbuck Site 22 Bardrainney

Site 20

Site 3 Site 19

Site 5

Site 7

Site 22

Site 6

Site 11

Status: Drawn By: Approved By: Revision: Date: Scale

Final KM Initials Figure 6.2 01/06/06

@ A3

0 470 940

1,880

m

Site 10

Site Locations Western Corridor Figure B(ii)

Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Survey Prioritisation Matrix

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

Landscape Following the completion of the initial identification of the 22 priority sites the landscape assessments were made by completing a landscape specific desk studies followed by site walkovers. The desk studies principally comprised identification of Local Plan allocations (site and immediate context), local character assessment context and extracts from the Green Network schedule of actions.

The site walkovers took into account Context, Appearance, Landscape Quality, Accessibility and Current Use. Landscape enhancement potential was considered under the following headings: • • • •

Appearance (generally small scale cosmetic interventions at key nodes and site frontages that can be achieved over the short term); Improving Landscape Quality (principally the nature, quality and diversity of the land cover – e.g. woodlands, grassland etc.); Improving Accessibility; and New/additional Uses (including consideration of the potential to formalise as public open spaces/parks).

The following provides a summary of the key issues and themes identified by the Landscape Architects in relation to each of the two strategic growth corridors: Northeastern • • • • • • •

Proximity to country parks – Drumpellier, Palacerigg Proximity to lochs – Hogganfield, Woodend, Lochend Agricultural/open space context Large areas of diverse woodland Surrounded by some socially deprived housing estates Situated along railway lines VDL under development or areas of open grassland

The northeastern corridor already enjoys relatively high levels of landscape quality and further enhancements could be achieved for relatively lower costs over the short to medium term. Key potential areas for intervention across the Green Network include: • • • • • •

Woodland management; Path re-surfacing; Seating provision; Signage; Footpath linkages (linking to other sites in the area); and Encouraging use of amenity grassland.

Western • • • • • •

Urban areas along firth of Clyde Proximity to industrial – port type land use Mostly deprived housing estates Smaller areas of scrubby woodland Railway lines run through VDL a mixture of grassland and derelict areas

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

The western corridor is highly industrialised with extensive areas of relatively poor quality housing. Enhancement of the Green Network is likely to require higher investment over the longer term.

Site Characterisation Framework The Site Characterisation Framework is shown at Appendices 1-22. This reports the findings of the detailed analysis of the individual sites.

For each of the 22 sites, the Characterisation Framework contains: • • • • • •

Executive Summary; Site Description and Usage; Ecology and Environmental Setting; Details of Consultations; Potential for Greening Ranking Model (information applied within the Prioritisation Matrix); Recommendations (opportunities for landscape enhancement]).

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

4.

June 2006

Prioritisation Matrix The detailed information shown within the Site Characterisation Framework was used to prioritise individual sites with a view to determine feasibility for green enhancement.

Individual sites have been scored against a range of identified priorities that seek to take into account the overall strategic goals of the Green Network. The priorities take into account the ease with which potential greening may occur (deliverability) and the potential wider benefits in fitting with the objective of creating a high-quality environment and addressing wider benefits in keeping with the strategic goals of the Green Network.

The Prioritisation Matrix therefore takes into account: Deliverability Factors: Current uses and access, existing structures, ownership, and potential Contamination.

Strategic Enhancement Benefits: Proximity to residential properties, proximity to schools, proximity to road networks and public transport, proximity to areas of deprivation, length of time vacant, size, ecology, enhancement opportunities and potential to function as part of a larger green wedge.

The prioritisation scorings are then used to apply a High, Moderate or Low rating in terms of their potential for deliverable green enhancement.

Shown below at Table 1 is an explanation of the ranking score attached to each of the priorities. It should be noted that each category has an equal weighting e.g. proximity to schools has not been assumed as being more important than ecology.

The matrix assumes that all categories are equally important.

Table 2 is the detailed Prioritisation Matrix. This document is used to inform the project plan and conclusions and recommendations of this report.

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PRIORITISATION MATRIX EXPLANATION Deliverability Rank

1

2

3

4

5

Current Uses/Access

Open land/Grass

Existing structures

No structures

Benefits of Enhancement

Potential Ownership Contamination Issues

public authority owned

No contamination issues identified

Possible low risk contamination issues Open land with some Service Other public identified access restrictions Structures and/or very small area of site potentially affected Localised areas within Structures the site of Open land with severe Mix covering < 5% potentially access restrictions ownership of total area contaminative historical/curre nt use.

Widespread potential Derelict land and Derelict Known contamination buildings buildings private issues (high risk historical use) Under development

New buildings

Unknown private

Evidence of contamination

Proximity to Proximity to Proximity to Proximity to Length Proximity to Transport Public Residential Areas of Time Schools Links (roads Transport Properties Deprivation Vacant network) Links

Adjacent

Within 250m

Within 0.5km

Adjacent

Within 250m

Within 500m

of Size (Ha)

Ecology baseline

The site of part of the site is Site area is designated for >50ha nature conservation.

Enhancement opportunities

Potential function as a green wedge

Large benefit from low cost measures in the short term.

Wedges of green space with urban development on two sides and a link to the countryside or other larger areas of green space.

On site

5% most >15 years deprived

Adjacent

Adjacent

Larger green Marginal benefit spaces within Site area is Supports ancient from low cost 10% most Between 5urban areas, but between 25woodland. measures in any deprived 10 years 50 ha with no links to the term. countryside.

Within 250m

Supports Site area is 15% most Between 2woodland of Within 250m between 15 deprived 5 years semi-natural and 24 ha origin.

On site

Onsite comprising < Within 1Km Within 500m 40% total area

20% most Within 500m < 2 years deprived

Onsite comprising > On site 40% of total area

Within 1km

Within 1km

All others

Large benefit from high cost measures in any term.

Small and fragmented areas of open space with no links to other parts of the green network.

Marginal benefit Site area is Supports Green space from high cost between 5 woodland of peripheral to measures in any and 14 ha plantation origin. urban areas. term.

Minimal or no No longer Site area is ecological vacant < 5ha interest

Does not function No opportunities as a green wedge identified. or wildlife corridor

PRIORITISATION MATRIX

SITE NO. SITE NAME

13 15 8 4 11 16 3 17 6 5 2 19 10 1 12 18 20 22 14 9 7 21

Craigend Bishop Loch Woodhall Whitecroft Ferguslie Park Gartcosh Gilmour Street Easterhouse Park Farm South Port Glasgow Keir Hardie Street Broadfield Johnstone LadyBurn Palacerigg Stepps Dumbarton Foreshore Bardrainney Garthamlock BruceHill Park Farm North Dumbuck

Current uses

1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 5 5 1 5

Existing Structures 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 3 3 2 5

Potential Proximity to Proximity Proximity to Ownership Contamination Residential to Schools Issues Properties Transport 1 3 1 1 3 2 3 1 1 3 3 5 3 3 4 3 5 5 1 5 1 5

2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 3 2 4 3 1 3 3 2 2 2 2 3

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 1 1

2 1 3 3 2 1 2 3 1 4 2 3 1 3 4 3 3 3 1 2 3 1

2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1

Proxcimity Proxcimity to Length of to Public areas of Time Transport deprivation Vacant Links 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 5 2

1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 4 3 2 5 3 2 5 5 5 1 3 2 5

1 1 2 2 2 1 3 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 5 2 5 5 5 1 3 5

Size

1 1 4 4 2 1 1 2 5 5 4 4 3 4 1 3 2 4 4 4 5 2

Ecology Baseline 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 5 4 5 5

Green Enhance wedges ment and opportuniti wildlife es corridors 1 1 2 1 2 4 2 3 3 1 5 5 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 4 2 3 2 4 2 3 3 4 2 4 5 5 2 3 5 5 5 5

Overall Score 17 20 28 29 29 29 30 30 31 33 33 33 33 34 34 35 38 40 41 42 43 45

high high moderate-high moderate-high moderate-high moderate-high moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate moderate-low moderate-low moderate-low low low low low low low

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

5.

June 2006

Project Plan The purpose of the Project Plan is to develop a series of Green Enhancement proposals that will form the basis of initial project delivery by the Green Network within the two growth corridors.

Projects are proposed in relation to those sites deemed by the Prioritisation Matrix to have greatest ease of deliverability and greatest benefit in terms of creating a high quality, competitive environment.

This section identifies those sites given a High or Moderate-High greening potential as Short-term deliverables and those sites with a Moderate potential as Longerterm projects.

The Site Characterisation Framework within Appendices 1-22 contains Recommendations on each of the 22 sites that outline the opportunities for green enhancement in detail. They also contain commentary on timeframe and cost.

This project plan summaries these findings in relation to sites with a High or Moderate potential. For the purposes of the Project Plan we have not considered those sites given a Low potential to be suitable for Green Enhancement. However, these sites are still subject to recommendations within the Characterisation Framework.

Reference is also made to the potential for sites to be linked in order to form a wider network of strategic greening.

Site Prioritisation Ranking The Prioritisation Matrix ranks the 22 sites as shown below by score and greening potential.

SITE 13: 15: 8: 4: 11: 16: 3.

17: 6: 5: 2: 19: 10: 1: 12: 18: 20: 22: 14: 9: 7: 21:

Craigend Bishop Loch Woodhall Woodcroft Ferguslie Park Gartcosh Gilmour Street Easterhouse Park Farm South Port Glasgow Keir Hardie Street Broadfield Johnstone Ladyburn Palacerigg Stepps Dumbarton Foreshore Bardrainney Garthamlock Brucehill Park Farm North Dumbuck

GREENING SCORE (BY RANKING) 17 20 28 29 29 29 30 30 31 33 33 33 33 34 34 35 38 40 41 42 43 45

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GREENING POTENTIAL High High Moderate-High Moderate-High Moderate-High Moderate-High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate-Low Moderate-Low Moderate-Low Low Low Low Low Low Low

PROJECT INTERVENTION Short-term Short-term Short-term Short-term Short-term Short-term Longer-term Longer-term Longer-term Longer-term Longer-term Longer-term Longer-term

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June 2006

Nature of the Proposals Proposals identified for each site vary from small-scale interventions to more ambitious changes in land use, site status and site management responsibilities. No detailed investigation has been carried out to assess the feasibility of establishing new management arrangements. Where potential new uses are identified, these are not supported at this stage by an assessment of current provision in the vicinity and areas of need across the city (e.g. public park provision, play provision, sport provision). Recommendations are simply based on an assessment of the physical suitability of the site for potential open space developments. All proposals have been identified as likely to be of relatively low, medium or high cost. No actual cost predictions are provided.

Short Term Interventions Each of the sites outlined below have been deemed to have a high deliverability rating within prioritisation. The nature of proposed enhancements on these sites reflects the desire to achieve Green Network goals in the short-term.

Site 13: Craigend This is an excellent site for enhancement, encompassing a large area of vacant and derelict land, existing green space and woodland. It is well placed to provide a public asset within an area of significant deprivation, in addition to improving the overall attractiveness of the area for future regeneration. Strategically, site 13 is well placed to link with a number of sites with a view to forming a wider network.

A range of quick improvements have been identified that would enhance the â&#x20AC;&#x153;usabilityâ&#x20AC;? of this site. This includes the removal of rubbish from the vacant and derelict part of the site, adding signage to an existing system of paths, creating a formal entrance at the northeast of the site and adding benches and litter bins to the area already used as green space.

In the longer-term, tree planting adjacent to housing and formal management of the woodland and greenspace, would contribute to creating a high quality and significant green site.

Site 15: Bishop Loch This site also has the potential to contribute strategically to the wider network of sites and intervention could ensure that proposed development is undertaken in keeping with the objectives of the Green Network. This is a large area with excellent landscape and ecological qualities, but has been subject to misuse. Providing a link between new housing developments and Easterhouse, the site can also contribute to the overall competitiveness of the wider area.

Initially, removal of fly tipping and cars and the replacement of burnt grassland would greatly enhance the site. The site benefits from wetland habitats with bird and invertebrate populations and native woodland. This has the potential to be enhanced as a recreational resource via the provision of signage, information boards, boardwalks, bird hides and picnic opportunities.

In the longer term, such activity would call for the development of a management strategy for the site. Areas of vacant and derelict land could be utilised to create play

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

and sports areas, again providing opportunities to engage the community and discourage current anti-social uses on the site.

Site 8: Woodhall In this case, proposed landscape enhancement would fulfil the function of improving the environment in an area of significant deprivation that will be subject to future regeneration. In this sense, short-term, achievable enhancements can improve the short-term appeal of an area in need of re-development.

Proposals include the removal of fly tipping and graffiti, clearance of scrub from the corridor and creation of access down to the river. In the longer-term, management and enhancement could be applied to the woodland, which would continue to be of benefit in the event of future development. Additionally, the site is adjacent to Site 19 (identified for longer-term enhancement), so there is the potential to integrate sites to form a strategic green corridor via the supply of footpath linkages.

Site 4: Whitecroft This site could be significantly improved via a series of short-term enhancements and has the potential to engage the community. The site is inclusive of vacant and derelict land and existing woodland.

Initially refuse may be removed and vegetation removed from paths in order to improve accessibility. The removal of existing railings around the vacant and derelict area would serve to open up the site. Avenue tree planting along the edge would integrate the green area and housing and it is proposed that gorse colonisation could be used to diversify landcover. It is additionally proposed that the vacant and derelict area be turned into community allotments, thus engaging the community and providing an active and educational resource. This is an area of social deprivation and mis-use of this site must be discouraged. Allotments would encourage a sense of community ownership, as well as providing a valuable use of unused vacant and derelict land.

Again with Whitecroft, there is proximity to other sites that could be linked via footpaths to provide a wider strategic integration of Green sites.

Site 11: Ferguslie Park This site could be greatly improved via a series of minor enhancements and that also has the potential to provide valuable community facilities on areas of vacant and derelict land.

Enhancement on this site has the potential to improve the competitiveness of a socially deprived area and the attractiveness of one part of the site that has been earmarked for future development.

In the short-term, rubbish and graffiti removal and the clearance of low quality vegetation would improve the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usability. The site benefits from excellent woodland that could be enhanced by the introduction of signed walkways and the area would benefit from improved site management. A disused railway embankment at the site could be adapted to provide a footpath, to allowing local residential areas and a school to have access to the site. Therefore a strategic link could be formed between community and the improved green space / any new community facilities (including a link to Site 10). This would be enhanced by implementing a footpath link to the Palacerigg Country Park.

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Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee

June 2006

Proposed community facilities on the vacant and derelict site could be used to house a skate park, football pitch and play areas in a location that currently lacks community facilities.

Site 16: Gartcosh This site is currently earmarked for a business park development and is a strategically important site for Scottish Enterprise. Therefore, the purpose of any greening proposals would be to enhance the environment for those people who might occupy and use the developed site. A railway station has recently opened on the site, which is actively used by commuters.

The significance of green enhancement is that it could be utilised to link the site (via the river) to the local residential community of Marnock, thus enhancing the attractiveness of both areas.

Proposed enhancements would include improvements to the existing woodland and creation of the riverside access between Gartcosh and Marnock.

Longer-Term Interventions Each of the sites identified for longer-term intervention is regarded as having significant potential in terms of contributing to the strategic objectives of the Green Network, but enhancements are more likely to be achieved in the longer-term.

Site 3: Gilmour Street This site largely comprises existing woodland, which includes some vacant and derelict land. The site provides an excellent range of enhancement opportunities and an overall delivery plan is recommended for the site. Longer-term improvements to the woodland and related management are required in order to provide positive usage and capitalise on the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological benefits. Improvements to the woodland could include sign-posted routes and maps at key entrances, creation of nature trails, public art and introduction of bird and bat boxes.

The site is also adjacent to areas of deprivation and has the potential to become an excellent community and educational resource, as well as an attraction to visitors from the wider area. In the shorter term, cleaning up the site and improving access will be crucial to capitalising to the existing natural resources. It should be noted that this would include the removal of some burnt-out houses. The site is adjacent to site 2 and therefore could contribute to a wider green link.

Site 17: Easterhouse The enhancement of this site provides significant potential by strategically contributing to the wider network of enhanced green space than in terms of community benefit. This is attributable to the fact that the eastern part of the site is to be subject to industrial development. However, the site does include some woodland that has the potential to be improved and managed to increase the landscape quality of the area.

Site 6: Park Farm South This site is an existing moorland and woodland with some vacant and derelict land that would benefit from straightforward enhancement to become green space with Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Study SAC0609/MS/DH Final

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positive usage.

(Bardrainney).

June 2006

A strategic link could be formed with the footpaths of site 22

Notwithstanding the potential for this site we have not classified this site as a priority site for significant enhancement, as it does contain footpaths that could provide a link between the communities and schools of the area and the fringes of the countryside.

The site does require to be cleaned up and existing paths re-surfaced. Enhancement could take place to the woodland and gorse areas, with further gorse colonisation being used to create a more unique moorland space. The vacant and derelict area could be enhanced for informal play, with existing rocks being incorporated as play of seating structures, thus reflecting the natural moorland context.

Site 5: Port Glasgow This site includes some visually unappealing industrial property that, through effective screening, could allow the remainder of the site to be utilised for green purposes. Strategically the site is close to Site 3, and we would recommend enhancements that reflect the existing landscape qualities of this site, thus providing a visual link between the two areas. To achieve this, existing gorse on the vacant and derelict part of the site requires greater management and further gorse colonisation could be encouraged. Footpaths could also be used to link to other nearby sites in order to contribute to the wider integrated network.

Additional enhancement might include tree and hedge planting to screen the industrial units, re-surfacing of existing paths, the addition of signage and lighting.

The addition of some seating or a picnic area could further enhance the usability of the site.

Site 2: Keir Hardie Street This site could be quickly improved via a series of short term measures, but falls into the longer-term category largely because the dominating woodland requires enhancement and improved management in order to capitalise upon its ecological values.

Site 19: Broadfield This site has the potential to contribute to the integration of a moorland landscape character to green sites within the area. Gorse colonisation could be encouraged and the existing woodland would require to be enhanced and managed. There are areas of burnt out grass and scrub that require to be re-planted.

The site has the physical advantages of excellent views across the Firth of Clyde and existing rocks that could be incorporated for play or seating. The site falls within the regeneration area of the Riverside Inverclyde project and may provide the opportunity for the Green Network to engage with the Urban Regeneration Company.

Site 10: Johnstone This site could be utilised to improve the attractiveness of an area that features a private residential development and retail park. It encompasses existing woodland, vacant and derelict land and existing open grassland. The railway embankment could be used to provide an integrated link to Site 11 and the wider community and school.

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The quality of this site would be improved by planting new woodland to screen the retail park, maintaining the grassland as recreational space and tree planting along streets to integrate the site to the residential area. The vacant and derelict part of the site is surrounded by houses and could become a focus for the local community, by the creation of a play space for example.

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6.

Conclusions and Recommendations

6.1

Conclusions By applying a range of criteria to vacant and derelict land, open and semi-natural space and woodland overlapping the Green Network within the western and northeast growth corridors, 22 sites have been identified that have the potential to contribute to the Green Network. These sites and their designated prioritisations are shown by corridor in Figures C(i) and C(ii).

The Site Characterisation Framework shown in the appendices provides the Green Network partners the opportunity to access a broad range of detailed information on each of the individual sites.

These detailed findings were applied to a range of identified Priorities in order to rank the sites and determine those with the potential to contribute most successfully to the Green Network.

Priorities and potential projects were designed to take into account deliverability of enhancement and likely benefits that may contribute to the overall competitiveness of the strategic corridors and quality of living environment.

Those sites identified as having the potential to contribute to the Green Network via short-term interventions are: 13: Craigend, 15: Bishoploch, 8: Woodhall, 4: Woodcroft, 11: Ferguslie Park, 16: Gartcosh.

Those sites identified as also having the potential to contribute to the Green Network, but through longer-term enhancements are: 3: Gilmour Street, 17: Easterhouse, 6: Park Farm South, 5: Port Glasgow, 2. Keir Hardie Street, 19: Broadfield, 10: Johnstone.

The nature of the proposed enhancements is referred to the within the Project Plan and outlined in greater detail within the Site Characterisation Framework.

The northeastern corridor provides opportunities on a number of excellent sites that can be linked physically and by ecological interest. A number of the proposed sites are adjacent to areas of extreme deprivation in which deliverable enhancement can be used to create community assets and improve the overall quality of living environment and competitiveness.

Sites 13, 15, and 17 are in close proximity to each other and have similar current land uses, consisting mainly of large areas of diverse broadleaf woodland. The context of these sites is residential and there is a comprehensive road network around them.

The wider context of the site includes numerous lochs, such as Hogganfield, Bishop, Johnstone and Woodend lochs, as well as Drumpellier Country Park to the east of site 17. These attributes, combined with the agricultural and open space context of the sites, afford great potential to consolidate the corridor on a strategic level to create a series of linked high quality, recreational open spaces that have the potential to become a nationally recognised landscape resource.

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The sites in the western corridor are smaller and more fragmented and, unlike the eastern corridor, less conducive to development as a major landscape resource.

However, there is potential for sites 2 and 3 at Greenock to be linked; sites 10 and 11 at Johnstone; and the six sites of Port Glasgow (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 19). These three different areas along the corridor could be consolidated to create green linkages and community facilities, which would be a valuable resource for the residents of the surrounding housing areas which are very deprived. A consistent moorland theme across the landscape of sites 5, 6 and 19 would also assist in terms of forming linkages between sites.

Consolidation of the sites into a linked network of green spaces could be achieved by using a common design language to create continuity, such as use of similar materials for path resurfacing, similar signposts, seating and litter bins. Development of a public/community art strategy throughout the sites would also help form a visual link between the sites as well as a sense of ownership from the surrounding residents.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) It has been noted by RPS that a number of new LNR allocations have been proposed within the two growth corridors. However, we have been informed that these designations have not yet been formalised. The proposed LNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are at Cardowan Moss, Robroyston, Garscadden Wood, Frankfield Loch and Waulkmill Glen.

Additionally, an extension to the Bishop Loch LNR is proposed.

Should they be allocated, this will have the potential to impact upon our recommendations for sites 13, 15 and 17. This has been noted within the Site Characterisation Framework. The function of an LNR is to actively engage the local community in a site of ecological interest. Henceforth, an LNR can only serve to increase the ranking potential on any of these sites. It is worth noting that each of these sites has been attributed a High or Moderate ranking within the Prioritisation Framework and are addressed within the Project Plan.

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Legend Site Boundary

Site 12 Moderate - Low

Growth Corridors Green Network

Site Numbers and Ranking Outcome

Site 16 Moderate - High Site 13 High

Site 12 Palacerigg Site 13 Craigend Site 14 Garthamlock Site 15 Bishop Loch Site 16 Gartcosh Site 17 Easterhouse Site 18 Stepps

Site 15 High

Site 18 Moderate - Low

Status: Drawn By: Approved By: Revision: Date: Scale

Site 14 Low

Final KM JD Figure 6.2 01/06/06

@ A3

0 5001,000

2,000 m

Site 17 Moderate

Site Rankings Northeast corridor Figure C(i) Green Network Vacant and Derelict Land Survey Prioritisation Matrix

Legend Site Boundary

Site 1 Moderate - Low

Site 9 Low

Site 2 Moderate Site 4 Moderate - High

Site 8 Moderate - High

Growth Corridors

Site 21 Low

Green Network

Site Numbers and Ranking Outcome Site 1 Ladybburn Site 2 Keir Hardie Street Site 3 Gilmour Street Site 4 Whitecroft Site 5 Port Glasgow Site 6 Park Farm South Site 7 Park Farm North Site 8 Woodhall Site 9 Brucehill Site 10 Johnstone Site 11 Ferguslie Park Site 19 Broadfield Site 20 Dumbarton Foreshore Site 21 Dumbuck Site 22 Bardrainney

Site 20 Low Site 3 Moderate High

Site 19 Moderate

Site 5 Moderate

Site 22 Moderate - Low

Site 6 Moderate

Site 7 Low

Site 11 Moderate - High

Status: Drawn By: Approved By: Revision: Date: Scale

Final KM Initials Figure 6.2 01/06/06

@ A3

0 470 940

1,880

m

Site 10 Moderate

Site Rankings Western Corridor Figure C(ii)

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6.2

June 2006

Recommendations Based on the findings of this report, the following recommendations are provided for the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network: • • •

•

Pursue the short term interventions suggested for Sites 13, 15, 8, 4, 11 and 16 via the production of detailed landscape designs; Consider an overall strategic approach to the longer-term interventions proposed for Sites 3, 17, 6, 5, 2, 19, and 10; Develop an enhancement strategy for the individual corridors, summarising intended enhancements, strategic integration / linkage of sites, and long-term benefits to competitiveness, community, urban landscape and living environment. This would give the Green Network the opportunity to underline exactly what it intends to do and achieve; and Undertake a vacant and derelict land study in relation to the two remaining strategic growth corridors, thus allowing the Green Network to develop its overall strategy for intervention across the Clyde Valley.

Although not the purpose of this report, it is worth considering potential delivery mechanisms for enhancements at this stage. Securing the most appropriate means of delivery will allow the Green Network to engage its target stakeholders and also provides the opportunity to lever additional funding, potentially from private sources.

The opportunity may exist for the Network to form a single delivery vehicle, designed to manage and deliver all enhancements, or alternatively sites could be managed on an individual basis, targeting appropriate stakeholders as projects demand.

Consideration may be given to such vehicles as community and development trusts, joint venture(s), and to engaging with such stakeholders as Local Authorities, developers, local regeneration companies, community action groups, Scottish Enterprise, local enterprise companies, etc. It is important for the Green Network to consider its own funding resources, potential gaps in funding and exactly whom it wishes to engage during the delivery process. Our final recommendation would therefore be that the Green Network undertakes a detailed delivery plan at this stage, seeking to identify optimum delivery vehicles and mechanisms.

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