Plans to build 90 homes in Neilston given the green light

More than 1,000 objections were submitted in a bid to halt proposals by Dawn Homes for the new development on land near Kirkton Road.

Neighbours insisted it would lead to extra noise, busier roads and a loss of green space.

However, planning officials at East Renfrewshire Council had recommended approval – and councillors rubber-stamped the application at a meeting held yesterday afternoon.

Dawn Homes has said it aims to start work at the site "in the coming months."

Managing director Martin Egan told the Barrhead News: “We’re really pleased our plans for 90 new homes, including 24 affordable, just off Kirkton Road have been approved.

“Neilston is a great village, with playing fields, a train station, local schools and variety of amenities, including a community centre, library, leisure centre and shops.

"Our development will bring highly energy efficient three and four-bedroom new-build homes to the area, with play areas for children.

The new homes will be built in Kirkton Road

"There will be ample open space and woodland, ideal for taking the dog and to encourage bio-diversity, with walking and cycle routes linking throughout the development to the wider community for all to enjoy.”

The application had gone before East Renfrewshire’s planning committee in April, with councillors deciding to visit the site before coming to a decision.

However, officials had said the plans could be approved subject to a legal agreement relating to the delivery of 24 homes for social rent and payment of a developer contribution.

They pointed out that the site had been identified for residential use in the local development plan.

Residents in Neilston have said they fear there is a lack of infrastructure, such as schools and shops, to support new homes and the development will impact on privacy, as well as the environment.

A noise assessment found that houses closest to the railway line will experience levels at night which are “likely to cause a waking event” and the council’s environmental health team said the proposals do not meet World Health Organisation standards.

But a report to councillors stated: “Given the local circumstances, it is considered that whilst there may be some adverse impact on the amenity of future residents at night time, it is not significantly different from the rest of the urban area, and therefore it would be unreasonable to refuse the application on these grounds alone.”

Planners also said the proposals had “undergone extensive revisions” to meet the local development plan and exceeded the affordable housing requirements.

They added: “Through development contributions, it will contribute to local services and community facilities to serve the existing and growing community.”