Plans for a luxury housing development on the outskirts of Barrhead have sparked a number of objections.

Briar Homes has lodged multi-million pound proposals with East Renfrewshire Council for 39 four and five-bedroom properties at Lyoncross Farm, off Aurs Road.

However, more than a dozen objections have been made by residents in the neighbouring Weavers Lea estate.

They fear the development will have a major environmental impact due to the loss of green space and mature trees and will also pose a threat to local wildlife, including owls and deer.

There are also concerns over a loss of privacy and fears for the safety of children because of increased traffic.

An objection from one resident states: “The safety of children using the playground within the Weavers Lea development does not appear to have been considered.

“With the current proposals, construction, vehicular service and future residential traffic have no option other than to use the sole access road to the proposed development, which runs closely past the playground area, introducing a significant risk to the welfare of children.

“During construction, there will also be significant noise, dust and pollution.”
Another resident said: “When going to work, the time it takes to leave this estate is already far too long, never mind adding on another 39 potentially two-car households.

“Also, who would pay the damage to the roads we have with lorries driving through a monoblocked estate?”

A third objector added: “People who live in the new houses will have a direct view of our gardens and houses.

“Increased traffic would not only be inconvenient but also a risk to the safety of the residents, children and animals living on the estate. It would also cause extra noise and disturbance for the residents.”

An objection has also been lodged by Dr Peter Livingstone at the Neilston Medical Centre, more than two miles away.

He said: “Unfortunately we do not have the premises nor the resources to look after all the new patients that will occur if this building project is approved.

“Please ensure that there is adequate healthcare resources available to new residents prior to planning being approved.”

Concerns have also been raised by the West of Scotland Archaeological Society as the land is more than 250 years old and contains a farmhouse which is a Category C listed building.

The group wants the developers to carry out a dig to establish if there are any artefacts of archaeological significance.

Briar Homes previously lodged an application to build 72 homes on the same farm site in 2021 but this was later withdrawn.

The firm has said it has revised its latest plans and site layout following feedback from a public consultation.

Paul Kelly, managing director, added: “We are proposing a mix of homes at Lyoncross that are high quality, with extensive landscaping and tree planting to enhance and protect the adjacent countryside.

“The revised application is sensitive to comments during the consultation process and we believe will provide the housing needed in the area for families who want to be near the city and all of the local amenities and schools but also with good access to the countryside.”