Planning permission was lodged by development consultants Muir Smith Evans at Gryffe Castle in Bridge of Weir for the erection of two new houses in October 2013.

But councillors blocked plans after objections from local residents who worried the development would destroy protected greenbelt land.

Now an appeal, submitted to the Scottish Government by applicants because of the site’s “unique circumstances”, has prompted fury among villagers who fear their objections could be defeated.

When a planning application is refused by the planning board, the applicant can appeal for it to be reconsidered by the Scottish Ministers.

One seething resident claims the woodland area will be “severely disrupted” by the proposals.

He told The Gazette: “Gryffe Castle has always been protected by greenbelt land so I find it disturbing that they are appealing for plans to destroy this.

“A number of maturing trees and bushes have already been killed and the woodland has been decimated of many lovely flowers and blooms.

“Sadly the damage has already been done, despite objections being submitted by villagers in the Bridge of Weir area.

“The land at Gryffe Castle sits just across from Bridge of Weir Primary School and if houses are built here it’s going to completely spoil the view for children.

“It is historically known as one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland. If these buildings are approved then it will completely destroy the character of the village.” The area, named “one of the most elegant residences in Renfrewshire,” is currently covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and situated across from the village’s primary school.

If the proposals are given green light, there will be two dwellinghouses with detached garages built to replace a former children’s home.

Scores of local residents submitted objections to the applications last year, with some suggesting that modern houses would be “inappropriate” in the setting of the 19th century Gryffe Castle.

The community council also raised concern about other aspects of the submission, which the group says will result in destruction of the natural habitat of animals and birds in the area.

Local resident Hugh McDornan, 56, who lives near Kilmacolm Road, blasted the plans. He said: “I don’t know anyone who wants this to happen.

“It’s not uncommon to see deer and rabbits near the woodlands but this is going to completely destroy their natural habitat.

“Right now you can see a vast quantity of tree stumps where they have already chopped down some of the trees at Gryffe Castle, some of which have been there for more than 100 years.

“The access road into the area is already difficult for traffic and any additional houses in the area are only going to worsen the problem.

“This is completely unacceptable and will only result in the loss of a view from beautiful surrounding dwellings.” The Gazette contacted applicants at Muir Smith Evans but they refused to comment at this stage.