Published: Wednesday, 3rd September, 2008 5:00pm

APPEAL HEARING FOR NESTLE SITE

by Amanda Keenan

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A public hearing was held in Barrhead to decide the fate of the controversial Nestle Purina site.

The inquiry held at Dalmeny Community Centre heard that Barrhead Gateway Ltd, which comprises Hamilton-based Banks Developments and Edinburgh’s FM Developments, want to build commercial and residential properties on the site on Glasgow Road.

But East Renfrewshire Council made no determination on the application which they say contradicts the local plan for the area.

Council bosses claim that the site should only be developed for industrial or retail purposes as stated in the local plan and because of this they could not allow the plot to be used for residential housing.

The developers made the decision to appeal to the Scottish Government for a public hearing.

And on Thursday last week, a representative from the Scottish Government was told that plans for the site include around 120 residential units, as well as a new neighbourhood centre, fast food outlet and car showroom, which will transform what has become a derelict site since the factory closed.

The plans represent the first phase of wider regeneration proposals along the Glasgow Road corridor named Levern Park by Barrhead Gateway Ltd.

And developers hope that Levern Park will eventually cover around 75 acres and help create around 500 new jobs in the town.

A spokesman for Barrhead Gateway Ltd said: “We want to help Barrhead become an exciting and vibrant place to live.

“And we feel that out proposal does fall into what East Renfrewshire Council is trying to achieve in the town. Our plans will open up job opportunities to many local people and help to develop a site which has been left to rot.

“We are hopeful that the Scottish Government will grant our application.”

Tony Buchanan, East Renfrewshire’s regeneration convener, said: “Barrhead needs a boost but we need to make sure that any plans fall in line with the regeneration we need to make sure the community is on board.”

The Scottish Government will consider both arguments before making a final decision in due course.