NATURE lovers in Elderslie have taken a swing at plans to build luxury homes at one of Renfrewshire’s oldest golf courses. 

Proposals for 25 new properties at Elderslie Golf Club have been lodged with Renfrewshire Council.

However, a number of villagers who live next to the course, and the proposed development, are planning to object.

They claim the project will damage a traditional beauty spot and impact on the quality of their lives.

The joint venture by the golf club and East Kilbride-based Dickie & Moore Homes is for 17 houses and eight flats.

In a statement, developers said the homes would breathe fresh life into Elderslie.

However, some residents claim it could sound the death knell for the area’s teeming wildlife, which includes deer, owls, bats, hedgehogs and woodpeckers.

Brian Reid, 59, who is a keen walker and birdwatcher, believes the majority of his neighbours will oppose the multi-million pound development.

He told The Gazette: “The area is a beautiful piece of mature woodland habitat, rich in biodiversity.

“The range of plant and animal life in this area is phenomenal.

“During the summer and autumn months, you will see heron, oystercatchers, ducks and various other birdlife.

“The area is also rich in colourful and diverse wildflowers.

“The golf course provides a rich habitat for wildlife and valued green space for all of Elderslie’s residents to enjoy.

“Any housing development will have negative consequences on the environment and the wellbeing of local residents.”

Dickie & Moore say the development will be be made up of three, four and five-bed houses, as well as a pair of two-storey blocks, each containing four flats.

There are also plans to erect new greenkeeping buildings at the northern end of the golf course, at Newton Avenue.

Mr Reid, who is a retired psychiatric nurse, said: “Another main concern is the increase in traffic from the envisioned changes.”

Elderslie’s golf course was designed by renowned architect and five-time Open winner James Braid in 1909.

Mr Reid said: “The area has a simple natural beauty and should be protected from unnecessary urban sprawl.”

However, Elderslie club captain Darren Gorrie has urged local people to get behind the development.

He said: “The club is more than just a place to golf. With over 100 social members, it is becoming a vital part of the community.

“To sustain the club we require investment and the Statement of Need document which accompanied the planning application sets out very clearly how we would make this investment.

“We fully recognise some people don’t like change but, having undertaken an ecological appraisal of the proposed development area and read its conclusion, there will be negligible impact.

“We are talking about one per cent of green space changing.

“It’s important the community balances the equation and supports the club.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “We have received a planning application and it will be considered, including any representations, by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board in due course.”