Plans for new homes in Barrhead rejected

Gladman Developments had hoped to create a new estate at the Fereneze Braes, despite 170 objections and a petition signed by 514 people calling for the plans to be dropped.

Proposals included detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, with a quarter of those marked as affordable homes.

However, planning chiefs kicked-out the plans as furious residents raised concerns about traffic, wildlife and the potential for children to drown.

Area resident Tom Laggan said: “As a community we are extremely worried and angry about this application.There has been a substantial number of objections – a total of 170 letters. Not one submission supported the application.

“All of the kids play in his area. This will force those kids to play on the street. It will force the kids to play on the existing quarry, which is a site of special scientific interest.

“In the winter when it snows you can’t get cars up the hill. The introduction of 100 cars will compound this issue.

“Gladman are not a local company and have no interest in what the community has to say.”

It is the second time in recent years that developers have tried to build on the Braes, after campaigners successfully fought against plans in 2013.

In 2010 the plot was identified by Scottish Government appointed reporters as a potential housing site for 40 units.

Planning committee member Angela Convery said: “I fully understand why the community are frustrated and angry.

“This field is rich with wildlife. There have been more than 50 species of birds spotted there. This will not just affect one or two species, it will have a devastating effect on them all.”