Greenbelt house bid thrown out

Houses will not be built on greenbelt land after planners kicked out proposals.

Renfrewshire Council rejected calls for nine homes on land near St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood.

Blackdye Limited wanted to develop a cul-de-sac in the countryside between the hospice and a primary school.

But experts warned the buildings would be at risk of flooding.

Fraser Carlin, head of planning and housing, set out reasons for the decision in a report to councillors.

He said:“The site is not considered to be effective as it is located within a functional flood plain.

“Development on the application site would not therefore be considered as sustainable.”

C&S Architects had lodged blueprints for the project with Renfrewshire Council.

The plot sits behind St Anthony’s Primary and overlooks the neighbouring playing field.

Green belt land is secured by government in order to halt‘urban sprawl’.

Swathes are often home to protected wildlife.