CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to “keep fighting” to save a beloved city greenspace despite council approval to build 90 flats on the site.

The multi million pound proposals for the North Kelvin Meadow were given the green light by eight of the 14 councillors at the planning committee meeting yesterday.

However, discussions are already underway for a replacement to the meadow and Children’s Wood using any cash the council would receive if a final approval is granted for the development.

Scottish Government ministers will now review the housing plans, having previously told Glasgow City Council if they were approved they would have to be sent to Holyrood for further scrutiny.

Local councillors have held talks about the suitability of other nearby green spaces to relocate the popular activities at the North Kelvin Meadow using cash the authority secures from any sale.

The nearby Botanic Gardens has been suggested, along with Ruchill Park and the Kelvin Walkway. It is understood availability of suitable space would most likely be located at Ruchill, on the opposite side of the Maryhill Road.

Helen Stephen, one of the two Labour councillors on the Canal Ward, where the North Kelvin Meadow is located, said:"We're now looking for a way forward. This site is very close to several areas of green space and I propose we now look to see how we can continue what the families and the kids want to do at a nearby site.

"I want to see some of the capital from the possible sale of the land to the developers to the developers to continue the activities nearby. Possibly Ruchill park or Botanic Gardens or another available green space.

"Lots of people come from all over the city to the site so I am keen to keep something within the area.

"I'm supportive of the positive work that is being carried out on the site, and while money is tight, we'll see what we can do within an available budget."

Other proposals put forward by campaigners fighting to save the green space were also approved unanimously by committee members at yesterday’s three hour meeting.

Emily Cutts, chairwoman of the Children’s Wood Committee which organises events at the west end greenspace, said she would continue “fighting the fight” to save the popular meadow.

She said: “We are now going to be launching a detailed plan so it’s just going to continue. We’re going to keep going.

“We are also hoping the Scottish Government will call this decision in and do the right thing here.

“We were upset that we were not heard first. Some of the councillors said it may have informed their decision if we had been heard first, so we are disappointed.

“We are the only ones with planning permission just now, the other plan has to be okayed by the Government and they have to get other types of permission, we’re not giving up.”

Ralph Green, a trustee of the children’s wood, and Ian Black, a local resident, discussed their objections during the three hour meeting.

Mr Black condemned the way the application had been handled, and told the committee: “ This is illegal. We are entitled to be consulted... We weren’t.

“We were offered a choice of house builders.”

He added: “We will continue to fight.

“We will never surrender.”

The group of councillors visited the site just after 10am yesterday, and were greeted by more than 100 campaigners and school groups who use the space near Clouston Street.

Children, local residents and other campaigners shouted “Save our wood, save our meadow” as the group walked round the area for around half an hour ahead of the meeting, before continuing their protest outside the chambers while the meeting was taking place.

A number of campaigners also had a tea party outside the council headquarters, but were later invited inside the building due to the torrential rain.