WORRIED residents in Kilbarchan are still waiting to find out if a controversial housing development will go ahead – after a year of being left in limbodespite being left in limbo for a year.

The plans by Wallace Land Developments (WLD) to build 150 homes at Branscroft, near Kilbarchan Quarry, attracted 779 objections after being launched last March.

Renfrewshire Council dismissed the proposals in June, ruling that they breached the local authority’s green belt policy.

However, WLD lodged an appeal with the Scottish government, who have yet to make a ruling.

Now villagers have urged Holyrood chiefs to end their misery by sinking the proposals.

Kilbarchan resident Ken Ives said: “This development would leave only a field between Kilbarchan and Brookfield. Green belt is supposed to stop the coalescence of villages and it’s important to protect it.

“Almost 800 residents, both community councils and others objected and the application was rejected.

“The appeal should have been completed by November 11, 2016, but the process hardly appears to have started.”

Villagers are unhappy that, instead of being considered as a separate issue, the Branscroft appeal is being dealt with at the same time as three other appeals that have been lodged under similar circumstances.

Mr Ives added: “This is very unusual and gives cause for concern.”

Councillor Derek Bibby, whose ward covers Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, has also been campaigning against the Branscroft development.

He told The Gazette: “I am totally opposed to this development, as it is not in the best interest of Kilbarchan and I support the protection of the greenbelt.

“The report and assessment presented by planning officers of the council concluded that there were no economic or environmental benefits to Kilbarchan.

“Along with other councillors, I rejected the application as it was a case of the wrong development in the wrong place.

“There was overwhelming opposition to the development from Kilbarchan folk. They deserve answers – and quickly.”

The Scottish government has said Kilbarchan residents will be given another chance to have their say on the plans before a decision on the appeal is taken.

He said: “Three reporters from the Division for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) have been appointed to determine five housing appeals in the Renfrewshire Council area, including the Branscroft development.

“The DPEA will shortly be making arrangements for a pre-examination meeting to discuss the merits of the proposal, which it is hoped will be held this month.

“This will be a public meeting and details will be made available online.”

WLD said the development would help to meet a “shortfall” of new homes.

A spokesman added: “We carefully considered the site’s context and designed an appropriate landscape framework.

“Following public consultation, Wallace took on board comments from the public by proposing road improvements and a ‘character area’ adjacent to Kilbarchan’s Conservation Area.

“An appeal to the Scottish government was applied for because Renfrewshire Council is failing to meet its housing targets, which is a requirement of Scottish Planning Policy.

“We welcome a swift resolution so that much-needed homes can be provided.”