THE developer behind plans for a major new project at the site of Barrhead’s former Nestle factory owns millions of pounds worth of property across the UK.

London and Scottish Property Ltd boast Linwood’s Phoenix Business Park and dozens of properties across Glasgow, London, Manchester and elsewhere.

It also has extensive residential developments under its belt and recently merged with Glennifer Estates – a major landowner in the areas around Barrhead which included the Caldwell Estate in Uplawmoor and the Craigie Woods on the outskirts of Barrhead.

London and Scottish submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) signalling its intention to submit detailed plans to East Renfrewshire Council in early December.

However, no further date has been set for the submission of a formal planning application.

The plans – described as “exciting” by East Renfrewshire Council and elected officials – include a hotel or care home, a restaurant with a drive through, and other commercial ‘opportunities’.

It is thought that a well-known hotel operator and restaurant chain have staked their interest in the site.

The development is so large that it will have to go before a full meeting of the 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 Buchanan, 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.”