By Jack Aitchison

HUNDREDS of people have opposed a controversial 100-home development earmarked for greenbelt land in Lochwinnoch.

As revealed in the Gazette in November, developer Leith Planning Ltd hopes to build the development – which includes several affordable homes – on a 75,000 sq metre site behind the Johnshill, which sparked a community campaign against the proposals over fears the village’s school and infrastructure couldn’t support it.

More than 400 objections were submitted to Renfrewshire Council ahead of Monday’s deadline after “Lochwinnoch Needs You” leaflets were handed out to homes and businesses across the village.

In a straw poll of the initial proposal of application notice, more than 94 per cent of those asked said they would be against such plans, citing concerns over school capacity and sewage works.

In the leaflet published by Lochwinnoch Community Council, its chairman, David Arthur, said: “Lochwinnoch’s green belt is under threat and needs your help.

“Details of the intended housing types are unavailable, but the development would represent a coarse and unnecessary encroachment into designated green belt.

“The proposal threatens the green belt that defines Lochwinnoch and if it succeeds it could open the floodgates.

“Given the strength of local opposition, it is important that as many people as possible register formal objections against the planning application.”

Letters of objection and support will be considered by Renfrewshire Council during the decision-making process, which will either take place by the Planning and Property Policy Board Scheme or, on limited occasions by the council.

However Leith Investments Ltd have argued that a significant investment would be injected into the village, insisting that if proposals went ahead it would provide a financial contribution to Lochwinnoch Primary School.

The developer added it has worked closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to develop proposals for the Nature Reserve, as well as working with Scottish Water Horizons to allocate funding to fix any drainage issues.

Shan Dassanaike, group commercial director at the firm, said: “We welcome the community’s input in the consultation process, and we have endeavoured to deliver on our desire to invest in Lochwinnoch.

“To this end we are pleased to confirm that a legal undertaking (by way of a Section 75 Agreement), has been submitted in support of this application.

“We would encourage all residents to review our submission in detail with the hope that our application demonstrates the benefits our investment can bring to the community.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a planning application has been received for up to 100 homes on land which is designated as green belt in the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. In response to neighbour notification and press advertisement over 400 objections have been received. A decision on the planning application will be made by elected members at a future meeting of the full council after a pre-determination hearing has taken place at the council’s Planning and Property Policy Board.”