Fury over Ally McCoist's plan to build new residential development

A planning application submitted by Ally McCoist's company for a plush new residential development has attracted nearly 300 objections from angry villagers.

The application has been put forward by Erskine-based company James (Glasgow) Ltd which lists the former Rangers star and Jeffrey East as company directors.

A previous report in 2018 told how the football legend had joined up with East to create the venture, which at the time was described as being "involved in the buying and selling of own real estate”.

The pair hope to build 38 houses and flats of contemporary design on a site of vacant land on the western boundary of number 24 Thriplee Road in the Bridge of Weir.

(Image: Stewart Associates) The site is described in planning documents as "effectively open countryside", "some 2.4 hectares in size" and "bound by housing on three sides".

Included in the proposal are plans to construct nine detached houses, six semi-detached houses and 23 flats split into three individual blocks.

(Image: Stewart Associates) A whopping 337 public comments have been received in response to the application, with 278 opposing and 59 supporting the plans.

In their objections, residents raised concerns about issues such as increased traffic, a lack of local infrastructure including schools and doctors surgeries to accommodate the development, and the potential flood risk to existing properties.

Other concerns raised included the safety of cyclists and pedestrians including children walking to and from school, noise concerns and the impact on the “significant local bat population”.

(Image: Stewart Associates) One resident said: "This village is bursting at the seams. Drs/dentists/schools are at full capacity. Traffic through the village is high enough. There are not enough car parks.

"No social housing. Waiting lists for social housing are at the highest level for years.

"Public transport is the worst it has been for years which will mean much more cars from new residents as there is no public transport links for commuting.

"Where is the infrastructure to support another influx of people?

"When is Renfrewshire Council ever going to actually listen to the people who live in this village and stop seeing pound signs.

"This is shameful greed and profiteering."

(Image: Stewart Associates) Supporters of the plans, meanwhile, pointed to a need for more local housing and said the plans would bring benefits such as "creating jobs" and "more hope of the rail track coming back".

One resident said: "The village is in need of more diverse housing for the likes of younger people, families also for downsizing. This development would bring more custom to local businesses."

(Image: Stewart Associates) The planned development includes a mix of three and four bedroom homes and flats with either two or three bedrooms.

There is one existing house within the proposed development site, a single-storey home at number 25 Thriplee Road, which is owned by the applicant.

(Image: Stewart Associates) As well as the new homes and flats, the application also outlines plans for associated access, landscaping, open space and other required infrastructure.

The proposed primary point of access to the site for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is from a continuation of Thriplee Road.

The plans, which were received and validated in July, are currently awaiting decision by Renfrewshire Council planners.

The applicant's agent has been contacted for comment.