Only one councillor attempted to prevent the controversial land sale at the site of the former Kingspark school in Gillburn Road, it has been revealed.
Fraser Macpherson, who is not a councillor for the area, was the only person to object to the sale of the council owned land to private developers at last Monday’s City Development Committee.
The plan has been the subject of vehement protests by locals who say that the area should remain a publicly owned space as it benefits the community.
However, the plans were accepted, much to the chagrin of community-led campaign groups, and councillor Macpherson.
“There are various sites owned by the Council which are suitable for sale but the site at Gillburn Road is not one of them,” he said.
“This is a space that is used by the local community and I have to say, I was extremely disappointed when no other councillor at the meeting would support me.
“It is an important issue that has city-wide implications.
“If we carry on like this, it means that no public space can be deemed safe from development and open spaces throughout Dundee are at risk of being lost to the communities who use them.
“As elected representatives it is our responsibility to ensure that we listen to local communities across the city.”
Shortly after the plan was accepted, Labour leader Kevin Keenan and independent councillor Ian Borthwick made the case for money from the sale to go back into the community.
However, local resident and campaigner, Steven Cragg, believes that to be unlikely.
“I’m really disappointed, ” he said.
“When I first moved here there was lots of open space but now more and more of it is being sold off.
“Some have argued that the money will go back into the community but that won’t happen.
“We will still do our damnedest to prevent it and I’m hopeful that we can do something.”
