CONTENTIOUS proposals for a Bridge of Weir housing development that villagers fear could destroy hopes of reviving a railway will be debated by Renfrewshire Council’s planning board again next week.

L&S Homes lodged an application more than two years ago to build 39 properties on the site of Beaton Brothers Coal Merchants, in Station Road.

The area used to be home to the village’s train station but this was closed in 1983 amid a major restructure of the railway system.

In recent years, fresh calls to restore the line have come from the likes of councillors, community groups and think-tanks.

But planning chiefs have recommended the L&S development be approved, which many believe could end any prospect of a railway rebirth for good.

The application came before the board in October but councillors opted to carry out a site visit before making any final call on the matter.

This was carried out last week and elected members will discuss the blueprint again over Microsoft Teams on Tuesday.

Glasgow-based L&S Homes plans to erect a mixture of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with gardens, parking and recreation space.

There would be 95 parking spaces – two at each home and 17 visitor spots – and it is proposed to weave the existing cycle route through the site.

Bridge of Weir Community Council, Inverclyde Council and the Paisley and Gryffe Transport Forum have all opposed the plans amid concerns they would negate any possibility of a future rail link, which also used to run to Kilmacolm and Elderslie.

The community council has additionally said having the cycle path meandering through a residential development would stop people using it.