A HISTORIC battleground is the site of fresh hostilities as residents take up arms against a planned housing development.

Cala Homes have submitted a planning application for 195 houses on former greenbelt at NorthBar, in the Erskine and Inchinnan area.

Over 1,400 letters have been sent to the local authority objecting to the development on the site of the Battle of Renfrew.

Fears that the remains of more than 3,000 men could be unceremoniously dug up have been raised by “disgusted” community councillors.

In 1164, Somerled, King of the Isles, alongside an army of 15,000, fought against a small army loyal to King Malcolm IV of Scotland, just outside Renfrew.

The small army were able to defeat Somerled, signalling a significant moment in Scotland’s history, and which prevented preventing Renfrew and Glasgow from being ruled over by those loyal to Somerled.

John Ross, chairperson of Inchinnan Community Council, is very unhappy with the "despicable" housing plans, which he believes dishonour the thousands of men who fought there.

He said: “I’m absolutely livid about the plans, this is the last bit of Inchinnan’s greenbelt.“There is a thousand places that they can build houses on without building on a former battlefield.

“I don’t understand why they won’t just leave it alone.

“It was the site of the biggest battle in the country and my mind is boggled to why they would do this.

“Around 3000 men died in that battle. Their bones are lying rotting there and Cala want to build houses over them?

“It is disgusting. I shudder at the thought of houses getting built there.”

“This is Scotland’s history and they don’t care about it, all they care about is money.”

There are also concerns over traffic, which residents agree is already an issue and will worsen with the new development.

John believes that primary schools and libraries are also likely to suffer and many residents have to drive elsewhere to buy their shopping as parking is an issue.

The site will be built near to springs, which John fears may cause flooding when work is carried out.

“They are not interested in the people or what we have to say, despite hundreds of objections,” he continued.

“How much more concrete do they need to put down? It is despicable.

“Already the traffic is getting dangerous and there are more bumps on the road every other day as it is so busy.

“It’s like mission impossible trying to park at the shops - many residents even just go to Port Glasgow to get their shopping now.

“It is a disgrace and the in the infrastructure wont be able to take any more.

“Our greenbelt used to go from the village to Linburn farm, now we are just considered as Erskine to many.

“The builders are taking away the identity of the area by building houses everywhere, and they couldn’t care less.”

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has also submitted a formal objection to the development, outlining a series of technical faults with the proposal.

He said: “I am deeply concerned that this housing development may be built on the site of the Battle of Renfrew.

“In my maiden speech to Parliament I spoke of how Somerled - the King of the Isles - led an army 15,000 strong to defeat against King Malcolm IV’s men in 1164.

“I have since called for formal recognition of the site and local school children to be made aware of this hugely significant local historical event.”

“I am not sure that building 195 luxury 4/5 bed houses is the way to commemorate the battle.

“I hope that Renfrewshire Council will take the concerns that have been submitted by myself and by the local community under serious consideration and act accordingly.”

The land was identified by a reporter appointed by the Scottish Government as being suitable for housing and is zoned for potential housing development in the local development plan.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “Members of the public and local organisations currently have the opportunity to make comments on or objections to this planning application.”

“The final planning application will be considered by members of the council’s Planning and Property Policy Board in due course.”

Cala Homes did not respond to a request for comment before The Gazette went to print.