A Scottish Government Reporter has turned down an East Renfrewshire MSP’s invite 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.

Barrhead News: MSP Paul O'Kane, left, and, right, a digital image shows how the giant phone mast near Boylestone Road would lookMSP Paul O'Kane, left, and, right, a digital image shows how the giant phone mast near Boylestone Road would look (Image: Newsquest)

In response, West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane wrote to the Scottish Reporter and issued an invitation to make an accompanied visit to the site.

The Labour politician also told of “significant opposition” from residents, including concerns about the negative impact it would have on the aesthetic and environmental appeal of the area, which he said was ultimately why the proposal was initially rejected.

Mr O'Kane told the Barrhead News, however, that in their reply, the Department for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) said that in terms of his specific query, “the reporter will undertake an unaccompanied inspection of the site" and that “she does not consider it necessary for the inspection to be accompanied in this case".

He said the letter added: “By way of background, the purpose of a site inspection is solely to allow the reporter to familiarise themselves with the area and the site.

“It is not an opportunity to discuss the merits of the case or otherwise. All arguments for or against the case must be set out in parties’ written submissions (unless the reporter indicates otherwise).”

Mr O’Kane described the rejection of his offer as disappointing as he “thought it would be a great opportunity for them to meet with myself and local residents who are deeply concerned by the phone mast plans".

“The key thing that I have taken from the response is that local residents should keep making their opposition to the plans in writing and send it to the Scottish Reporter, therefore I would urge everyone to do that to ensure their voices can keep being heard,” he added.

“I will continue to amplify the concerns of local residents on this matter and push for a decision to be made that’s in the best interests of the local community.”