THE Scottish Government has dismissed an appeal against a council’s decision to reject plans for 180 homes.
AS Homes had proposed the development – which it claimed would’ve provided a £40 million investment in new housing – for land at Ferguslie Park near Junction 29 at St James Interchange.
However, the blueprint for a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties was refused at the planning and climate change policy board of Renfrewshire Council back in March.
The reasons cited included an “unacceptable impact” on school infrastructure and a lack of “suitable integration and connectivity with the surrounding area” because of a reliance on a single access point from Ferguslie Park Avenue.
The housebuilder challenged the ruling to the Scottish Government through its agent Keppie Design in April, arguing the proposal was compliant with the development plan and branding both reasons for refusal as “unreasonable”.
But this week, Stuart West, the reporter appointed by ministers, issued a decision notice which confirmed the appeal was unsuccessful.
While he did not side with the council on matters relating to education and potential developer contributions, he said: “I … agree with the council that the proposed development does not provide suitable integration and connectivity with the surrounding area.”
Planning permission in principle was previously granted in 2019 for a mixed-use development, which included residential and other uses, such as hotels and a pub or restaurant.
This appeal sought the approval of matters specified in three of the conditions attached to that decision to allow 180 homes to be built.
The land in question has been labelled an “absolute eyesore” by elected members, while Keppie had argued the council’s decision prevented “regeneration of a long-derelict, brownfield site”.
But ultimately the plans will not be able to go ahead in their current form after the decision of the planning and environmental appeals division.
