A LEADING developer has lost its third bid to build almost 250 homes in Erskine.

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

Renfrewshire Council voted against the proposals last October after concerns were raised by residents about a lack of local infrastructure and low-cost housing, as well as a loss of greenspace.

Persimmon then appealed to the Scottish Government but the council’s ruling was upheld by a planning reporter in February.

Now the housebuilder’s attempt to challenge the reporter’s ruling has proved fruitless after an appeal was dismissed last week.

A spokesperson for Erskine Community Council (ECC) told The Gazette: “Based on our objections, we were delighted when planning permission was refused by Renfrewshire Council in October 2020 and are again delighted that this decision has now been vindicated by the Scottish Government.

“ECC and the sub-committee who fought for this have always maintained this land should be preserved for the benefit of the whole of Erskine.”

Councillor Tom Begg, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, added: “For the past 50 years, the people of Erskine have grown up with new housing being built all the time and they just want to see the right housing developments being built in the right place.

“I understand the developer recently submitted a writ to the High Court, no doubt to sue the council for compensation, possibly thinking they were encouraged by councillors and officers to develop the site.

“However, in paragraphs four and five of the findings, the reporter indicates a residential development having no significant effect on the character and amenity of the surrounding area could be considered.

“She also recognised an opportunity to transform the waterfront area to create a sense of place and enhance the green network.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The independent reporter was required to make her decision in accordance with the development plan and the planning merits of the case, taking full consideration of the evidence submitted by all parties, including members of the local community.”