RESIDENTS in Bishopton are fuming after learning land intended for industrial use could instead be used for more than 1,300 new homes.

The plans are part of the multi-million pound Dargavel Village project, which already boasts plans for 2,500 houses.

A total of 600 homes at the former Royal Ordnance Factory site are already occupied, with construction on the next phase of housing already under way.

When complete, Dargavel Village will comprise new housing, commercial and community buildings, a woodland park and recreational facilities.

However there are proposals to alter the masterplan to allow for even more housing, which critics fear will create “significant changes” to the original application and require a section 75 planning agreement to be completely redrawn.

Bishopton Community Council chairman David Woodrow, believes developers must stick to their original agreement.

He said: “The number of houses keeps growing and growing so we need reassurance that other things will be taken into account.

“Originally there were only supposed to be 2,500 homes but this could now be up to 3,850 if these plans go ahead.

“There will be no problem selling these houses but there needs to be consideration to a long-term plan.

“Bishopton will end up being bigger than Erskine which is much better equipped with the likes of care homes and health centres which these plans are lacking.

“The land should also still have some industrial use for small businesses in the community.”

Mr Woodrow also believes the plans should include extra provision for schools and parking, claiming existing infrastructure will not be able to cope with any more new homes.

He added: “What is being done to ensure that this is a sustainable community?

“I’m not objecting to the development but I think we should stick to the original plan so people aren’t using resources elsewhere.”

If granted, the fresh planning application for more homes on land previously designated for industrial use would bring the scale of the development up to close to 4,000 houses.

Housing developers at the site include Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Cala Homes.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “We welcome the input of Bishopton Action Group and all community organisations in relation to Dargavel Village.

“In addition to engagement in the statutory consultation process, the community liaison group brings community groups, the land owner and the council together to discuss development proposals for the former Royal Ordnance site.

“All of the views expressed will be assessed in the consideration of the current planning application which seeks to update the masterplan for Dargavel Village and in the review of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan.

“Any decision taken by Renfrewshire Council will seek to ensure that development delivers on our commitment to make the area an attractive place to live, do business and visit. Providing a suitable range and choice of housing is key to the economic growth of Renfrewshire and at the same time we are conscious of the need to provide the supporting social and physical infrastructure.”