A MYSTERY developer has stated its intentions to submit plans to build a hotel and restaurant with a drive-through in Barrhead.

The site of the former Nestlé and Spillers factory on Glasgow Road has been earmarked for the major development.

But agents and East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) remain tight lipped on who could occupy the site.

The agent, London and Scottish Investments Ltd, has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) signalling its intention to submit detailed plans to ERC in the near future.

However, it is thought that a well-known hotel operator and restaurant chain are interested in building on the site.

Other developments – including light industry and even a care home – are also being considered.

The development is so large that it will have to go before a full meeting of East Renfrewshire Council before it can be approved.

The council is unable to comment on ongoing planning applications and had previously said that it would be unable to comment due to “commercially sensitive information” regarding the identities of the businesses considering taking over the site.

The full details of the PoAN are: “Proposed neighbourhood commercial centre including Class 1 (retail), Class 3 (food and drink) including pub/restaurant and drive through, with potential supporting uses (eg Class 2 financial, professional or other services; hot food takeaway; etc) and associated access, parking and landscaping (major).”

However, a second PoAN has also been submitted by the same agent for the site, which details further developments and confirms that a hotel is on the cards.

It reads: “Proposed employment uses (Class 4 Business/Class5 Industrial/Class 6 Storage and Distribution) with potential hotel and/or potential care home, with associated access, parking and landscaping (major).”

Councillor Tony Buchannan, convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, said: “It cannot be discussed at this moment in time unfortunately due to commercially sensitive information.”

The factory was demolished in October 2012 after lying empty for nearly eight years following the shutdown of operations in 2004.

The neighbouring Scottish Water treatment works had been disused for more than 25 years – it has now been turned into the award-winning community garden Waterworks project.

Much of Glasgow Road in Barrhead has seen regeneration in recent years with the opening of the Bowerwalls Industrial Estate.

Councillor Buchanan added: “The work going into the town and the investment are significant and we are beginning to see change for the better.

“It’s fantastic that even in these times of financial austerity, we are still able to move forwards and deliver the regeneration of Barrhead.”

A spokesman for ERC has previously said: “The plans being put forward for the former Nestlé site in Barrhead are extremely exciting and we look forward to being able to update residents in due course.

“This is a fantastic development opportunity which will help the council to continue with its ambitious regeneration plans for the area, which is being complemented by the work being undertaken as part of our Glasgow City Region City Deal projects.”

There is no date set for when a planning application for either development could be submitted.