Plans to convert a historic East Renfrewshire building into a £15million retirement village have overcome another major planning hurdle.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has now removed previous objections to the Caldwell House development, near Uplawmoor.

East Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee will consider the proposed development later this month, with a recommendation being passed to a full council hearing.

Edinburgh-based Historic Environment Scotland has already moved objections to plans to convert the 250-year-old building.

Caldwell Developments submitted proposals last year to convert the A-listed, Robert Adam-designed Caldwell House into independent and assisted living accommodation for older people.

The multi-million pound plans include a care home, offices, café, gym and shop, as well as houses and flats.

The only remaining objectors are the Woodland Trust, who fear it will have a detrimental effect on trees and wildlife.

If given the go-ahead, developers claim the project will create 85 full and part-time posts, as well as up to 200 construction jobs.

Caldwell House was built for the wealthy Mure family in the 1770s but was converted into a hospital in 1927.

It was later used as a children’s home until 1985.

A decade later, a serious fire gutted the interior and caused the roof to cave in.

East Renfrewshire Council then stepped in and undertook work to make the house safe.

Caldwell House is also one of seven buildings in East Renfrewshire on the Historic Environment Scotland ‘at risk’ register.

Scott Kennedy, director of Caldwell Developments, said: “We are delighted that SEPA have removed their objections and that our proposal will now be considered by East Renfrewshire Council.

“It is fair to say this is perhaps the last chance to save Caldwell House.”

Conservation expert John Sanders, whose past projects include the £5m restoration of the Charles Rennie Macintosh Willow Tea Rooms and major work on Durham Cathedral, has also added his support.

He said: “A restored Caldwell House will be the most significant listed building in East Renfrewshire.”

A council spokesperson added: “The planning papers will be published prior to the committee meeting, which will include the recommendation at that stage.”