GREENBELT land used as a playground by generations of Johnstone youngsters faces being wiped out to make way for hundreds of upmarket homes.

Initial proposals for a major development between Spateston and Howwood were lodged with Renfrewshire Council planners last month, sparking fury amongst members of the community who say there are more suitable sites for new houses.

Opponents even fear any potential development could damage the area’s identity.

Bill David, secretary of Howwood Community Council said: “It would be an outrage if these plans went ahead.

“There are several potential brown sites that these homes could be built on – why do they need to take up greenbelt land?

“The structure of the roads won’t be able to deal with the amount of cars that would come with those staying in these houses too.

“We don’t need four or five bedroom homes in the area – what we do need is affordable or social housing.

“Also, building such a huge development will distort the boundaries between Spateston and Howwood, damaging our community identity.”

Although details are limited at present, it is understood developers JH Civil Engineering Ltd want to build “above average priced” homes on the site to the south of The Holms at Old Howwood Road.

Presently, the area is filled with green fields and trees where youngsters have explored and played games for decades.

Older groups also use the grounds to meet on their motorbikes or quadbikes, while families enjoy taking tranquil walks around the greenery.

Johnstone resident Wilma Dean, who lives nearby, said: “This is a very well used spot and is right next to the burn, there are some very peaceful parts to it.

“If they built houses there it would impact the community a lot – so many families and young people use it and even adults will remember playing in it as kids. I don’t get why developers have chosen that spot, we don’t need these houses here.”

Residents are also outraged that greenbelt land is being used when there is an “abundance” of brown sites available, such as former school buildings. There are also concerns that the road structure isn’t built for the increased amount of traffic.

Ron Ewing, chairman of Johnstone Community Council added: “I think it’s quite early days and we need to know a bit about what is going to happen to really pass judgement. What we will be doing is watching these proposals very closely to see if we agree with what is going to happen.”

A public consultation is set to take place to discuss the plans, with a date and location still to be confirmed.

Despite several approaches from The Gazette, JH Civil Engineering Ltd declined to comment.

The proposal of application notice can be viewed in the planning section of the council’s website via the reference 17/0352/NO.