Planners have recommended 90 homes can be built in Neilston ahead of the final decision on a controversial proposal.
More than 1,000 objections have been sent to East Renfrewshire Council over Dawn Homes’ bid to develop land at Kirkton Road. Residents fear increased congestion on roads, more noise and pollution and the impact on amenity. They have also raised concerns over a lack of infrastructure, such as schools and shops, a loss of sunlight and privacy and the impact on the environment.
However, officials have said the plans, which were revised in November after talks with the planning department, can be approved, subject to a legal agreement securing the delivery of affordable housing. Councillors on the planning committee will meet tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon to rule whether the proposal can go ahead.
Dawn Homes wants to build 80 houses and 10 flats on the site, with 24 properties available for social rent. The flats and a mix of semi-detached and terraced houses would cover the affordable housing contribution.
Campaigners have said there are “significant negative factors” which outweigh any positives of the development. These include “dangerous, polluted and congested” roads and “spoiled” green space.
A report to councillors stated the site has been identified for housing by the council and officials believe it is a “sustainable location given its proximity to local facilities and access to public transport”. It added although the applicant plans to remove 67 trees, it intends to plant 313 new ones.
A noise assessment submitted with the plans admitted the closest houses will experience noise levels at night which are “likely to cause a waking event” when trains pass on the nearby railway line.
“East Renfrewshire Council’s environmental health service have raised concerns that the proposal relies on closed windows at night time and that the proposal does not meet the World Health Organisation standard,” the report to councillors stated.
However, it added: “It is noted there are several existing dwellings, including a development built within the last 20 years located substantially closer to the railway line than the proposed dwellings of the current application.
“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.
“In addition, as identified by the noise report, the application proposes using upgraded glazing and acoustic trickle ventilation which should mitigate any noise issue.”
Council officials reported the proposal will “help promote the viability and vitality of local facilities and shops, as well as promote sustainable and active transport given its proximity to Neilston town centre and public transport network”.
“In addition, it will provide a green network and play facilities that will serve the local community as well as the future residents of the site. Whilst the loss of the existing trees and hedgerows is regrettable, the proposed landscape and planting regime, in time, will provide a greater biodiversity value to the area.”
They added privacy concerns for residents on Luckiesfauld, relating to an elevated entrance road, are not considered “significant” as the road is 15 metres away.
Planning permission has previously been granted to widen part of Kirkton Road, from its junction with Kingston Road south-eastwards for around 90 metres. However, this has now lapsed and a condition of the planning permission would require permission to be obtained before work on the houses began.
