CAMPAIGNERS have formed a resistance group in a bid to protect Renfrewshire’s greenbelt land.

The Villages Network is a non-political group that focuses on planning applications, road networks and community consultations.

Activists say they formed the group due to the “sheer volume of extensive planning applications” in the Renfrewshire area that residents may not be aware of.

At present, developers have their eyes on two sites in Bridge of Weir, as well as others in Elderslie, Kilbarchan and Brookfield, even though their planning applications were rejected by Renfrewshire Council.

All five applications are currently with the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government.

Kilbarchan man Jack Hastie, who founded the campaign group, said: “Villages are being bombarded with planning applications for greenbelt land.

“Even when the council rejects the plans, developers can still appeal to the Scottish Government.

“There was a need for community councils and other groups in the area to form an organisation that would resist these applications where appropriate.”

For details of cases being opposed by the group, visit the DPEA website at www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk