A DEVELOPER is hoping it will be second time lucky for his plans to convert a disused office building into a new nursery.

David Hamilton’s previous bid to use the Barratt Homes sales office in Mulberry Square, Renfrew, to provide childcare was snubbed by council chiefs after more than 40 objections were lodged by local residents.

They want to see the site turned into green space for families to enjoy but Mr Hamilton has now lodged a second planning application which he claims addresses the potential problems that were raised.

Mr Hamilton, who bought the building and surrounding land at an auction last year, told The Gazette: “They have been asking for the area to be developed into a wee park or garden, which I’m doing, but now they’re objecting again, saying the trees would cast shadows on their property and attract vermin, which is absolute nonsense.

“I’ve had many residents in the area getting back to me to say they want a nursery in the neighbourhood and that it would be a great addition to the community.”

The original application for the Ferry Village site was made in March last year and sought planning permission in principle for the change of use of the temporary sales cabin to a nursery.

It was refused by Renfrewshire Council after objections from local residents were considered.

However, Mr Hamilton insists there is an urgent need to offer more nursery provision in the area.

“They closed Rainbow Nursery, in Paisley, earlier this year,” he said. “People are also losing their jobs left, right and centre but this would be bringing jobs to the area.”

Mulberry Square resident Joan Macdonald said the main concern among those objecting to the plans is the “intrusion” a nursery would cause.

She added: “We believe this is entirely the wrong place for a nursery.

“It may very well be that there is a need for more nursery provision in the area but this area is a purely residential development and Renfrewshire Council’s Local Development Plan has always been clear that it should remain as residential property.

“The building that Mr Hamilton wants to convert into a nursery was always intended to be demolished and converted into green space for the benefit for local residents, with potentially a playpark for local children.

“We don’t want the noise, the extra car and foot traffic and the parking issues that a nursery would bring into this neighbourhood.”

A council spokesperson said: “We will consider this application, including any representations, in line with our formal planning process.”

Anyone who would like to comment on the new planning application should send an email to dc@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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