CONCERNS have been raised about a loss of greenspace and wildlife in relation to plans for an 87-home development in Erskine.

The project is earmarked for the land to the east of Florish Road and Torran Drive, and involves access roads, landscaping, drainage and associated works.

In line with Renfrewshire Council’s policies, the development would comprise of a mixture of families homes including detached, terrace and flatted dwellings.

It is understood that several local community groups are opposed to the housing plans, which they claim will result in a loss of green space and local wildlife.

Jim O’Neil, secretary of Erskine Community Council, told The Gazette: “Erskine Community Council would concur wholeheartedly with the concerns of our neighbours in Inchinnan concerning this proposed development. 

“We cannot for the life of us understand why Renfrewshire Council and councillors would consider further destruction of our greenbelt lands and woodlands, and as such trust that they shall refuse permission once applied for.

“We are not against new housing, however we do feel that developers always appear to take the easy option, and they, and our council, should do more to develop and improve existing brownfield sites within Renfrewshire.

“Additionally, as a community council, we are very concerned with regards to the lack of social infrastructure within Erskine, which has facilities for a 'village,' yet we have the population of a major town - 16,000.

“In Erskine, we have seen no investment nor improvement to social facilities, school capacity, town centre or youth facilities for years, and as such would strongly recommend that prior to adding to an already overburdened infrastructure, our council should invest in social facilities first.”

Detailed proposals have been published online and local residents have been invited to give their views by completing an online feedback form as part of a virtual consultation.

A spokesperson for Stewart Milne Homes said: “As with any new development there will naturally be concerns from existing residents. The public consultation currently under way is designed to share our outline plans and listen to feedback which will then shape our final design.

“Stewart Milne Homes is committed to creating well laid out communities with a focus on open, green spaces, that become great places to live and leave a positive, lasting legacy. 

“The design of a new community is as important to us as the design of our homes. That’s why we carefully consider each new development within its natural setting.

“At Florish Road, we are planning considerable and high-quality green spaces for the new residents to enjoy and which will connect to the existing woodland. Enhancing biodiversity is a key consideration in our approach to landscaping and tree planting.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council added: “We have received a pre-application consultation notice and the developer Stewart Milne Homes is carrying out consultation and engagement with the community as part of the statutory process, taking into account their feedback, before submitting a formal planning application for consideration.

“The land this notice relates to is not green belt and is allocated as a site to contribute to Renfrewshire’s housing land supply, while the current proposals outline that no trees in the Sandieland Wood are to be removed.”

The consultation runs until Friday and anyone who would like to have their say should visit www.florishroadplanning.co.uk.