NEARLY 100 protestors joined forces at the site of a proposed Barrhead housing development to voice their anger at the endangerment of wildlife and plant populations. 

Developers hoping to build 50 homes on greenbelt land to the west of Brownside Avenue, at the Fereneze Braes, have been accused of trying to destroy the local environment.

Campaigners claim the new housing would have a major impact on deer, fox, bird and amphibious populations, as well as rare plants which are native to the site.

They have stressed that, while Gladman Developments carried out an ecological survey on the site, this took place in May 2017 and did not take into account botanical species and wildlife which would be prominent at other times of the year.

Kirsty Menzies, of the Fereneze Braes of Barrhead campaign, said: “For me, the main issue is that this is an incredible wildflower grassland which is rich in wildlife and should be protected for people to enjoy.

“None of its biodiversity is reflected in the developers’ ecological appraisal.

“They don’t care about the impacts on the local community, like the increased traffic and danger on roads, risks of flooding when drains are unable to cope and pressure on resources like schools.”

Concerned residents have been backed by members of the East Renfrewshire Greens.

Speaking at the protest on Saturday, co-convener David Allison said: “Residents have a range of serious objections, from loss of wildlife to increased congestion. 

“With housing projects proposed and under way on brownfield sites elsewhere in Barrhead, I hope the council make the right decision and reject plans to build on the Fereneze Braes.”

Brownside Avenue resident Dougie McColl said the area’s water system is already under a lot of strain.

The proposals will go before an East Renfrewshire Council pre-determination hearing this week, with officials recommending that it be refused.

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased that the report to the council is recommending refusal of this application.

“The Local Development Plan has clearly identified sites for development around Barrhead and there is a sufficiency to accommodate development in these areas.

“I share the concerns of my constituents about the use of this land and hope that it will be retained as greenbelt.”

A spokesperson for Gladman Developments refused to comment on the application.