Residents of a Renfrewshire village say it is being “unfairly targeted” by builders as they vow to fight a planned 100-home development.
Houston Community Council says Stewart Milne Homes’ modern estate threatens the character of a conservation village where public services are already stretched.
The developer has submitted a planning application to Renfrewshire Council seeking permission to build 112 homes on land between Strathgryffe Tennis Club and Barochan Road.
Stewart Milne says the development will create a new village green and provide a sympathetic extension to the village.
But most Houston residents are vehemently opposed to the project.
A spokesman for Houston Community Council said: “In the course of both the public consultation, and in a survey conducted by Houston Community Council, well in excess of 90 per cent of responders were opposed to the development.
“The reasons given included the impact on the character of a conservation village, unfair targeting by property developers, disrespecting a venerated war memorial, and lack of capacity of our schools, medical services, roads and infrastructure.”
He added: “If you look back to the local development plan in 2019, when you add up all of the applications from builders to have land allocated for housing in order to build on, for areas in and around Houston, it would come to 1,200 homes and it’s for this reason that we feel that Houston is being unfairly targeted by housing developers.”
Many of the proposals for the land were rejected by Renfrewshire Council, including the application for the Barochan Road site.
However, this bid to have the land designated for housing was upheld by the Scottish Government Reporter on appeal.
The community council spokesman added: “The land where the proposed development would take place is on green belt, and whilst Houston Community Council recognises that Renfrewshire Council has to meet its housebuilding targets, these could easily be achieved at the former Royal Ordnance Factory in Dargavel and in Paisley and Renfrew, both of which Renfrewshire Council is committed to regenerating.
“Accordingly, Houston Community Council will fulfil its statutory duty to represent our residents’ views to Renfrewshire Council and will object to the application.”
But Stewart Milne Homes says its masterplan for the 7.5 hectare site will establish a welcoming gateway corridor into the village, characterised by tree planting, natural boundary treatments, feature buildings and views to historic features.
A spokesperson for the company said the firm understood some residents do not want to see the site developed but added: “Given the outstanding natural surroundings, our plans seek to blend seamlessly with those, while also respecting the heritage and character of the village.
“We have listened and taken account of feedback in our application and want to continue to engage constructively with the local community should our plans be approved.
“Our aim is to deliver an attractive mix of new homes with high quality green space in this thriving and sought-after village as demand for both family homes and affordable housing continues to rise.
“Our plans will also stimulate jobs and opportunities which will have a positive impact on the local economy.”
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
