PLANS to build glamping pods at a village hotel have been rejected by councillors, despite officers recommending they be approved.

The Manorview Group had lodged an application with Renfrewshire Council to erect 10 pods in a field immediately to the north of the Bowfield Hotel and Country Club, in Howwood.

But at a meeting of the planning board, councillors voted for the proposals to be scrapped after Councillor Andy Doig lodged a motion for refusal.
Ahead of the meeting, concerns had already been voiced by residents and

Howwood Community Council about the potential impact the development could have on the landscape.

Fears around environmental consequences – such as air pollution, noise levels and connection to drainage – were also raised.

Councillor Doig told elected members he was concerned the road and sewage infrastructure wouldn’t be able to cope with the proposed development.

He said: “I think it’s very telling Howwood Community Council, while they are sympathetic to the demands of tourism and economic development, have also come out in opposition to the granting of this application.

“The sole access to Bowfield is through the residential route of Bowfield Road and, every time there is flash flooding, water pours down Bowfield Road and the drainage system has problems.

“This recurring problem is such that, last year, when the schools were just going back, the manhole cover at the bottom of Bowfield Road blew off from the water pressure and the surface of the road started to lift. This led to the closure of the road for a number of days.”

Councillor Bill Binks added: “I’ve had a number of letters, not just from local households but from farmers who are continually complaining about the amount of litter.”

Board convener Marie McGurk moved the idea of a site visit but, when the two options were put up against each other, Councillor Doig’s motion – seconded by Councillor Binks – won by 10 votes to five.

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