Campaigners lose court battle against Wyndford flats demolition in Glasgow. Residents worry about environmental impact.
Wheatley Homes plans to demolish the Wyndford towers. The demolition is set for March 23rd, and they plan to build new affordable homes with a community hub also in the plan. People will have to leave during demolition.
Nearby residents are worried about the effects. Campaigners received legal aid for a Supreme Court challenge, arguing the council needed an environmental impact assessment. The courts disagreed with them before.
The residents union thinks judges applied the law wrong. They say judges missed the area’s negative effects, and council officials approved the demolition without consulting city councillors.
A senior judge said no “significant adverse effects” existed, calling the demolition a “temporary event.” Contractors will use “best practice” methods, but an earlier analysis mentioned hazardous waste risks, including asbestos.
The council claims no big environmental impact is expected, and Wheatley Homes supports the council, saying the towers are dated. Campaigners argue the project will impact the environment.
The analysis noted accident risks, including explosions among the potential issues. These accidents involve dangerous substances, but the council believes they can manage the risks.
The judge said demolitions are safely done and don’t significantly hurt the environment. Residents want to keep and fix the flats, but Wheatley says that is too costly.