“Green Belt is designated open land which is around, beside or in an urban area and for which there is a presumption against development except for specified, mostly rural uses”.

Why have a Green Belt?

Reasons for having a Green Belt are:

to maintain the identity of towns by establishing a clear definition of their physical boundaries
to prevent coalescence of settlements
to provide countryside for recreation close to centres of population
to provide for institutional purposes of various kinds
to maintain the landscape settings of towns
to encourage developers to use ”derelict, vacant and underused sites within the urban area”
to provide stability “where there are strong development demands on land adjacent to large towns and cities”
to contribute to the avoidance of urban sprawl and ribbon development
to ensure that development happens where it is most appropriate
to safeguard natural heritage for future generations

Where is the Green Belt laid down?

The Helensburgh area Green Belt is designated currently in the 1999 Local Plan. The Argyll and Bute Council’s Finalised Draft Local Plan has been released for public scrutiny (May 2005) and should be adopted later in 2006 or early 2007 after amendments. It retains the Green Belt "to maintain settlement separation, prevent urban sprawl and provide an attractive setting for its settlements" and refers to only a very restricted range of development in the Green Belt. The extent of development incursions into the Green Belt will have to be determined after serious discussions and a public hearing.

Do other local authorities have Green Belts?

Yes! They are an essential part of good planning in any urban area. Eight authorities in Glasgow and along the Clyde Valley have stated the aim to:

'Consolidate Communities by improving the quality of life and by sustaining and enhancing Town Centres as a locus for community activity and identity, and by continuing to define a strong Green Belt structure which enhances the character of individual towns and villages.'

A strong Green Belt is part of the quality of a town. In Scotland , there are Green Belts from Aberdeen to Ayr.

Where, and how large, is Helensburgh's Green Belt?

It runs in a strip to the north of Helensburgh, roughly parallel to the Clyde . It is narrowest at the north and we think it should be widened there to coincide with the boundary of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park . To the west it ends at Shandon. To the east it continues to and surrounds Cardross and goes on to the boundary with West Dunbartonshire.
Click here to see a map of the Helensburgh Green Belt.

Does a Green Belt totally protect countryside from harmful development?

Sadly, no. There is only a presumption against non-countryside development. But it is still important because planning decisions are strongly influenced by it and there would have to be very good reasons indeed to breach it. Also, if a developer who has been refused planning permission appeals to the Scottish Executive, then the Green Belt status would play a big part in turning down that appeal.

Are all forms of development prohibited in a Green Belt?

Anyone can apply for Planning Permission to build or do anything in a Green Belt. There is however a presumption against any development, except for recognised countryside uses such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture or outdoor recreation. A Local Authority may give approval if it is convinced that it is for a recognised countryside use or would be for the benefit of the public and could not be done elsewhere.

What's the difference between a Green Belt and a Blue Belt?

Green Belt is a recognised planning term which has been in use for more than 50 years. It is an area of open land where there is a presumption against development. It is a simple but multifunctional aid to planning which has stood the test of time. (To read more about the purposes for and issues surrounding Green Belts, see the report by the Scottish Green Belts Alliance on www.greenbelts.ukos.com)

The term 'Blue Belt' has no official status and has been suggested locally to cover water and foreshore. There is a view that the foreshore is as much in need of enhancement and protection as the countryside. We agree, but the HGBG can’t do everything and we turned down a proposal that we should take that under our wing. So if anyone wants to set up a Helensburgh Blue Belt Group, we’ll be very happy.

Who are the HGBG?

The Helensburgh Green Belt Group is a non party-political, non-sectarian and non-profit making local organisation seeking to protect and enhance the green areas around Helensburgh. The HGBG was established in 1990 at a large public meeting of local people who provided its initial impetus, since when it has grown. It has a present committee of nine, a number of advisors on specific topics and a distribution list of over 600 households who generally support its aims and receive its newsletter “Greenery”.

What are the policies of the HGBG?

In protecting the Green Belt HGBG believes that issues such as proposals for out of town supermarkets, bids to build new housing estates and land being left derelict, degraded or unsightly in the hope of getting planning permission to build are all best dealt with by long term local authority planning. Without a clear agreed strategy laid down in the Local Plan there is always the temptation for the local council and its officials to permit the salami-slicing of the Green Belt for new developments while the town centre becomes degraded. If growth is genuinely needed we consider that building development should initially concentrate on vacant brownfield and underused sites in town. The redevelopment of older sites within town should also be examined at an early stage.

The enhancement of the Green Belt is the other major concern of the HGBG. The countryside is part of our heritage to pass on to future generations. There are actions that can be taken today to improve the quality of the Green Belt and to enable people to have easy access to it. Also there are implications for recreation, tourism and good health. These can be addressed by encouraging the creation of footpaths, cycle paths and bridle ways; the development of local and accessible community woodlands and nature reserves; the support of tree preservation orders, woodland management and the spread of knowledge of local plant and animal life; the control of litter and other nuisances.

What has the HGBG done to date?

The HGBG has contested development proposals which have threatened the Green Belt. In the early nineties there were a number of proposals to build new housing estates in various parts of the Green Belt. By successfully fighting these proposals, developers were forced to consider small and gap sites within the town boundaries. We believe the building of houses and flats in these locations have protected the Green Belt and enhanced the town itself. The other major issues were proposals to build a supermarket on the outskirts of town which again would have threatened both the Green Belt and the town centre.

In addition we have worked with the local authority officials to achieve mutual aims. We have contested areas of their draft proposals where we think the strategic and local plans were not for the good of the town or the Green Belt in the longer term. We have met with local councillors, members of parliament and members of the Scottish Executive to carry forward our message.

Is the HGBG against all development in Helensburgh's Green Belt?

By the very nature of Green Belts, there is a starting presumption against development in the Green Belt unless it clearly falls into the category of recognised countryside use. However each case is judged on its merits. We accept developments in the Green Belt where the case is good; we are not a dogmatic “not another inch” organisation. For example we have recently accepted the proposed development of the local Secondary School on a Green Belt site, as an exceptional measure, and we accept the use of Green Belt for expanding businesses and further Green Belt land for 50 affordable houses.

Where does the Green Belt stand in relation to additional housing in the Green Belt?

Housing is a complex issue. Helensburgh’s “housing market area” is a triangle between Rhu, Dumbarton and Alexandria . Calculating “need” is controversial. Until recently it has been easy to demonstrate that there was no need to use Green Belt land, even though developers wanted to, because adequate other land was available. To prove that point, almost 1,000 new houses have been made newly available to the public in the Helensburgh area in the past 12 years. However, many previously available sites have now been used and by the time of the 2011 Local Plan we will have to consider whether a different approach will be needed. We are seeking further information before determining the HGBG’s long-term policy.

What is the HGBG view on an edge of town supermarket development?

We do not believe it is in the longer term interests of Helensburgh to have a large supermarket on the edge of town. It would threaten the town centre by providing a rival “town centre” and could lead to the deterioration of the town. Town fringe supermarkets, shopping malls and “garden centres” which are really general retail outlets are recognised by the government as dangers to small and medium sized towns and are contrary to government policy. The HGBG is totally opposed to such developments.

What is the HGBG position on mobile phone masts?

The HGBG has worked with other local groups to propose a community policy towards planning applications for telecommunications masts and associated equipment. The overall aim is to support the concept of telecommunication advances but, recognising the special nature of Helensburgh and Rhu and their setting, to ensure that the introduction of new masts is done to the highest standards of visual amenity. We accept that some masts may have to be sited in the Green Belt but we would wish these to be concealed and/or disguised to the highest possible standards and kept well away from public spaces and from skylines.

Can anyone be affiliated to the HGBG?

Yes - and will receive copies of our newsletter Greenery. Let us have your name and address by completing the General Enquiry Form on the "Contact Us" webpage.

How much does it cost to be a supporter of the HGBG?

In strict financial terms…nothing ….however we hope that you could support our cause by making a voluntary donation from time to time!

More importantly, by taking the time to write letters of support or objection to planning proposals and planning applications you can help influence council officials and local councillors on issues of concern where the Green Belt is under threat. It cannot be under-estimated how much it means to have a large number of objectors on our side so that we are seen as representing the views of a substantial number of the local population.

You can also help the cause by giving a small amount of your time to the distribution of our newsletter or giving help and advice to the committee.

What can I do to help protect the Green Belt?

In order to maintain and enhance the countryside close to people it is most important to have a strong Green Belt and a committed and principled local authority to maintain and respect it. It is also why we need local citizens to be vigilant about proposed changes to and developments in the Green Belt and a Green Belt Group prepared to take up the issues which concern local residents. You should be prepared to raise question with your local councillor or submit objections/comments to ABC whenever you become aware of a development which causes you concern in any way. If you would like to be on our list of supporters, please contact us at: secretary@hgbg.org.uk