An East Renfrewshire politician has invited a Scottish Government Reporter to a site visit amid a campaign to sink plans for a giant phone mast in Barrhead.

Angry residents claim the 20-metre-high structure on the Fereneze Braes at Boylestone Road would be a “blot on the landscape” and a threat to the area’s wildlife.

On January 24, they won the first round in their battle when East Renfrewshire Council refused the proposal by Reading-based MBNL, which specialises in mobile phone infrastructure.

However, MBNL has since lodged an appeal with the Scottish Reporter – an arm of the Scottish Government.

In response, West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane has written to the Scottish Reporter and issued an invitation to visit the site. He also outlined “significant opposition” from residents.

The Labour politician told the Barrhead News: “The concerns local people have had about such a huge structure are well founded, as it would negatively impact the aesthetic and environmental appeal of the area and that’s ultimately why the proposal was initially rejected.

“East Renfrewshire Council listened to those concerns and stood up for the local community when it rejected the proposal.

“I simply want the Scottish Reporter to join me and Councillor (Danny) Devlin on a visit to the site so we can have a constructive conversation about the community’s concerns.”

Councillor Devlin added: “The phone mast wouldn’t be suitable for the area and people are rightly concerned about the impact it would have. We would very much like the Reporter to see the site for themselves and we think it’s quite important that residents get the chance to attend such a visit.”

A total of 16 local residents met at the mast site, which is owned by Fereneze Properties, to launch their campaign against the controversial plans.

They only found out about the proposed development at the popular beauty spot when they saw the planning application by chance on the council’s website.

Hundreds of people have since signed paper and online versions of a petition in further protest at the proposed phone tower.

After MNBL’s appeal is considered, a recommendation will be made to Scottish Ministers, who will have the final say.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This appeal will be decided by an independent reporter who will make the decision on the merits of the case, taking full account of all submissions, including those from members of the local community.

“The reporter will decide whether a site inspection is necessary and, if so, whether that will be accompanied or unaccompanied.

“All parties involved in the case will be notified of any such arrangements.”