CAMPAIGNERS say 1,000 residents have voiced their opposition to latest plans for new homes on greenspace in Neilston.

The major development would see 81 houses and 10 flats, with access roads, landscaping and an eco-friendly drainage system.

It would be bounded by Kirkton Road and the rail line, as well as homes in Luckiesfauld, Stonefield Cottage and Neilston House.

This is not the first application for the site, with a previous bid in 2018 to build 140 houses and nine flats ultimately withdrawn by Dawn Homes and a subsequent plan last year considered for 98 properties.

Campaigners against the latest proposals from Dawn Homes have urged residents to voice their opinions before the February 5 deadline.

The “No to Kirkton Road Development” campaign previously objected to the loss of green space and raised concerns over the potential increase in traffic.

Protestors also say the development is “unnecessary” in terms of meeting housing demand.

Rachel Ferguson, who is among those opposed to the plans, told the Barrhead News: “Opposition to this building is a way to support only good building. Neilston needs good-quality housing that does not damage the very reason people want to live here.

“Any building on the field area would significantly and negatively impact an area of rare value to many council, ex-council and wholly private tenants that use and appreciate it in their local area.”

The Facebook page stated last year: “The proposed development of Kirkton Road is an example of building that undermines Neilston as a place to live with safe, accessible roads as well.”

Read more: Hundreds sign petition against major housing plans in Neilston

Dawn Homes hope to build a mix of three and four-bedroom homes, including 23 affordable housing units that would account for a quarter of the whole site.

More than 200 parking spaces would be part of the development, with the only vehicle access from two links to Kirkton Road.

Designs for the site also show a number of trees being incorporated into the design as well as a new footpath, a play area and a public “piazza” space that will include street furniture and seating.

The path network would lead around a ‘sustainable drainage system’ to control the flow of run-off towards Kirkton Burn. The land off Kirkton Road is earmarked for housing under East Renfrewshire Council’s Local Development Plan 2.

Martin Egan, managing director of Dawn Homes, said: “I can confirm that community consultation events were undertaken with regard to planning applications being submitted for new homes at Kirkton Road.

“The land is allocated for housing in the current Local Development Plan and Dawn Homes have had considerable dialogue with East Renfrewshire Council’s planning department to date.

“East Renfrewshire Council have identified the site as one which will assist in contributing to the overall shortage in the area for both affordable and privately owned new homes.”

Read more: Campaigners pledge to ‘save’ Neilston greenbelt site from developers

To comment on the plan, visit www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/weekly-lists and search for 2019/0788/TP.

Neilston Community Council is also seeking the view of the public to help form their own response. All views can be sent to neilstoncomcouncil@gmail.com by February 1.