MORE than 800 signatures have been collected opposing plans to build 98 homes on a ‘natural beauty spot’ in Neilston.

Last year, Dawn Homes submitted an application proposing the construction of 149 houses and nine flats to be built on land at Kirkton Road in the village.

However, the developer said that, following a review, it had taken the decision to withdraw its existing planning application and resubmitted for the site, which is included in the existing Local Development Plan (LDP).

The original proposals had faced stern opposition from a number of residents, who argued the development would “destroy a free, beautiful and safe public space” and create “really significant” traffic problems in the area.

And a high-profile campaign, ‘No to Kirkton Road Development’, was mounted to protect the greenbelt land, which is ‘well-used’ and ‘much-loved’ within the community.

The new application has now attracted similar protest, with residents insisting ‘nothing has changed’.

Rachel Ferguson, who has been part of the campaign, told the Barrhead News support from residents has been ‘overwhelming’.

She said: “We have collected over 800 signatures in just under two months – most of them are from Neilston.

“This is to oppose the new application that has been put in after the previous one was pulled. For that, we also have around 800 signatures against it and that was collected on foot over Christmas.

“The new application changes nothing about the substantial reasons of opposition.

“The site for the development in the main field is used for recreation. It is a natural beauty spot and it isn’t considered priority for housing demand in Neilston.

“What we are really trying to get across at the moment is those who are genuinely against the development can sign and we want the public to know we are pro-housing. 

“We need it, but not when it damages the reason people want to come and live in Neilston.”

The campaign is online HERE.

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