VILLAGERS have slammed “greedy” housebuilders for trying to move people into a new development before work on the roads infrastructure has taken place.

Barratt Homes has submitted applications to allow the occupation of up to 94 homes at the development, on the outskirts of Johnstone, before work on the Barochan Interchange is complete.

The interchange works are scheduled to start in early May and last for 12 weeks.

However, Houston Community Council (HCC) has objected to plans for the new homes to be occupied before work to widen the slip road has taken place – warning that this would cause traffic chaos in the area.

John McEvoy, HCC chairman, told The Gazette: “As well as obstructing traffic for 12 weeks during the summer, Barratt Homes will also add traffic from almost 100 homes from their site during the work, which will cause major traffic hold-ups.

“If traffic controls cause cars to back up around Deafhillock Roundabout, the traffic from Houston will need to give way to traffic from Bridge of Weir and the new homes, which will cause long delays at peak times.

“The original conditions were put in place to avoid this very situation.

“Barratt’s desire to increase their profits should not impact the day-to-day lives of residents.”

Bosses at Barratt Homes insist entry dates for the new development have not yet been confirmed.

Craig McFarlane, construction director at Barratt West Developments, said: “We understand the local community’s desire for the works to be completed and we will be aiming to finish the next phase of off-site roadworks in a timely manner. As such, we will be reviewing the timeframes for the project as the works progress, improving on the completion date where we can.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman added: “An application is currently under consideration which would enable a limited number of the houses approved for the site to be occupied prior to conclusion of remote roadworks.

“Assessments will be carried out to identify whether this change can be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on the wider road network and a decision will be made in due course.”