BY JACK THOMSON
COMMUNITY activists have urged people to fight a major housebuilder’s plans to build homes in Erskine – or risk losing a wildlife habitat forever.
Persimmon Homes plans for 246 new houses at a site next to Erskine Bridge Hotel have been met by fierce objection from the town’s community council.
And the group’s chairman has told members of the public if they don’t speak up against the developer before Thursday’s deadline for representations, they could lose a “natural meadow”.
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Sam Mullin said: “We’re in a good position because there’s stuff at the site we didn’t know was there. There’s a special flower in there.
“Within our objection, if it’s looked upon fairly, we will say that the land should be allowed to be a natural meadow and wildlife conservation area. It should be something for the community.
“We are asking for everybody that cares about the community and that piece of wildlife habitat to lodge an objection.
“What would they rather have that or houses? Do we really need these houses? The answer is no.
“It’s amazing the people that come from outwith Erskine to go up and take photographs.
There’s all sorts of stuff in there that to take it away is going to destroy a natural habitat.
“It’s down to the councillors and hopefully they will listen to members of the public.
“Erskine has had it’s fair share of housing lately so we need a respite for a while and let’s maintain what we’ve got because if that’s lost, it’s gone forever.”
Wildlife enthusiasts say they have spotted badgers and the flower Eye Bright – used to treat allergies and the common cold – as well as other species at the site.
In its own objection the community council said plans would affect dog walkers, increase pollution and see more traffic build up in the area.
Persimmon Homes West Scotland has previously said the plans would bring “much-needed new homes” for local people.
Managing director Doug Law said: “It is important to us that we build homes in locations where people want to live and we work hard to source sites and develop projects that meet the needs of the local community.
“This particular development will bring much-needed new homes for local people and commuters in an area which has already been identified as appropriate for residential development.
“Significant revisions have been made to our original plans taking into account feedback from the local authority and local people following our consultation event.
“Our proposals request permission for 246 homes.
“The hotel itself is no longer included in the development plans and a parkland will be created along the river front offering a community facility and separating the development and the Inner Clyde Special Protection Area.
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“The development will boost the local economy and create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.”
Mr Law has since said the company submitted an application in accordance with the local authority’s planning guidelines.
Objections are made by emailing dc@renfrewshire.gov.uk and quoting the application number 19/0184/PP.
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