PLANS to turn two sports fields into campsites for more than 1000 visitors to Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games are to be scrutinised after nearby residents complained they had been left in the dark.
Campingninja, which operated a series of campsites during the London Olympics, is taking bookings for tent pitches in fields in the city's south side and in South Lanarkshire. The sites offer cheap accommodation for volunteers, temporary workers and sports fans this summer.
However, local councillors have expressed concern after claiming they knew nothing of the proposals, which will see hundreds of people camping in their wards.
Campingninja, which had a planning application for a similar site in Giffnock turned down by East Renfrewshire Council following a campaign by residents, said it does not need formal permission for sites at Cartha Queen's Park rugby ground and playing fields in Uddingston.
South Lanarkshire Council said there were "a number of issues" that required investigation such as health and safety, food safety, hygiene and noise pollution.
Glasgow City Council, while confirming Campingninja would not need planning permission, said it would have to speak to its planning officers for advice.
Maureen Devlin, a councillor whose ward includes the Uddingston site, said: "I wasn't aware of this and it really is a concern. There is a list of questions I would want to ask, and if they are advertising this, why didn't they come to elected members?"
Emma Gillan, who represents the Newlands/Auldburn ward in Glasgow which includes the Cartha Queen's Park RFC site, said she had not been aware of the campsite plan.
The firm, which charges £18 per night, has been backed by national tourism agency VisitScotland, which said Campingninja would bring its "successful blend of affordable accommodation and great sporting atmosphere to Glasgow" and offer more than 1000 pitches at the two sites.
Campingninja's managing director Geoff Vaughan said its risk assessments and standard operating procedures went far beyond what was required by law.
He added: "The number one priority is the health and safety of the customers, staff and surrounding area."
Mr Vaughan stressed the importance of having the right numbers of toilets for people staying at sites, tested drinking water supplies and traffic management plans and evacuation routes. Details of these are all submitted ahead to the relevant councils on time, he added.
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