A BUSINESSMAN has hit out after a second bid to build a children’s nursery was blocked.

Renfrewshire councillors rejected David Hamilton’s latest plan to convert a disused Barratt Homes sales office into a childcare hub.

An application had been lodged to transform the building in Mulberry Square, Renfrew, for the use of 34 children, with an outside play area and community garden.

But Renfrewshire’s planning board voted overwhelmingly to reject the new proposal, saying it would lead to a loss of green space and increase noise and traffic.

Mr Hamilton, 54, has said he will appeal and is taking legal advice over his options, which include asking the Scottish Government to overturn the judgement.

The former private hire taxi firm owner said: “I was shocked when the councillors voted against my plans. It was a ridiculous decision and I won’t give up without a fight.

“I had full backing from the council’s planning department that the application was acceptable. They told me the nursery was the best option for the site. I even agreed to give residents back part of the land and build a garden to compensate for a lack of green space.”

Mr Hamilton bought the property, which consists of an office and a two-bedroom flat, from Barratt at auction in 2018.

However, his plans for a nursery encountered opposition from residents in the upmarket Ferry Village development.

Mr Hamilton, whose original application was made last March, insists there is an urgent need to offer more nursery provision in the area.

He added: “I own the property. Surely local residents don’t want it to sit empty?

“There are a large number of young families who have moved into the area and I know there is a big demand for a nursery. Even Renfrewshire Council are saying that they don’t have enough nursery provision.

“The building can’t be taken back and the council can’t force me to take it down.

“It would be better if they accept what I am offering them, as there is no better option for this site.”

At the same meeting, council leader Iain Nicolson attacked his own planning department, claiming the building should have been demolished a decade ago.

Permission was granted by the council for a temporary office in 2007, on condition it was pulled down by 2010.

However, the planning department failed to enforce the demolition order, which has now expired.

Councillor Nicolson said: “In normal circumstances, a nursery is a welcome thing in a community but the circumstances surrounding this application cannot be allowed to just slide past.

“Nowhere have I seen an apology from our planning service about 10 years of failure with regards to this site.”

Councillor Stephen Burns moved to reject the nursery proposal, with the application subsequently being refused by 10 votes to five.