PLANS for new housing on greenbelt land near Kilbarchan have been approved – despite strong objection from villagers.

Williamsburgh Housing Association will build 18 new homes within five two-storey blocks parallel to Milliken Road.

However, the decision by planning chiefs to approve the development has been slammed by Kilbarchan Community Council chairperson Fiona Stewart.

She said: “The community council is very supportive of affordable social housing but felt that the development was not suitable in this location due to the additional traffic congestion that would result from a housing development metres from the entrance to the A737.”

More than 120 letters of objection were lodged against the project.

Councillor Derek Bibby, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: “The decision by the planning board will anger and confuse local residents who fought against this development.

“The planning board voted against the same development in March of last year and it seems perverse that, given the developers have failed to reassure residents and despite the opposition of all ward councillors, it has now been voted through.”

He added: “There are many local brownfield site options that could and should have been considered for this development.”