CONTROVERSIAL plans to build almost 250 homes in Erskine have been rejected by councillors. 

Persimmon Homes asked to develop a mix of houses and flats at an eight-hectare site near the Muthu Glasgow River Hotel, formerly known as the Erskine Bridge Hotel.

However, their application was snubbed yesterday at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s communities, housing and planning policy board.

Council officers had recommended approval of the plans in August, provided Persimmon agreed to make a financial contribution to any educational requirements as a result of the development.

However, after dozens of objections were submitted by the likes of community councils in Erskine and Inchinnan, elected members opted to allow applicants and objectors to have their say before a final decision was made.

Councillors Iain Nicolson and Michelle Campbell, who both represent Erskine and Inchinnan, said in a joint statement yesterday: “We initially suggested and moved that the board consider a hearing to allow local residents and members to engage with the applicant and the planning board.

“This took place today and the local representatives from Erskine and Inchinnan were excellent in delivering their message and this impressed the board. There is clear value in having local voices being heard inside the council on matters that are important to them.

“The grounds for refusal were clear and unambiguous – the proposal had a devastating impact on local designated environmental woodland and other sites and this conflicted with many local and national policies on conservation and protection.”

Councillor Tom Begg, who also represents Erskine and Inchinnan, told The Gazette: “I am very pleased for the people in my ward who fought so hard for this and have achieved what they wanted.”

A spokesperson for Erskine Community Council added: “We are delighted the council has reached this decision.”

Objections submitted to the council included concerns around a lack of local infrastructure and low-cost housing and a loss of green space.

However, Ingrid Gahagan, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said there had been huge interest in the proposed development.

She added: “We have received over 300 specific house type inquiries, with a further 500 general enquiries for this site, which demonstrates strong market demand for the area.”