Plan for 250 homes behind Erskine Bridge Hotel set to go ahead
Controversial plans to develop almost 250 homes behind the Erskine Bridge Hotel are set to be given the green light by councillors.
This is despite community groups insisting they should be scrapped.
Housebuilder Persimmon Homes has lodged an application to build a mix of houses and flats across a 7.8 hectare site, which would also include a riverside park and three play areas.
The ambitious proposal would incorporate bungalows and terraced properties which will be £130,000 or less and developers state around a third of the new homes will be less than the average house price in North Renfrewshire.
Several objections have been submitted to the council, including from both Erskine and Inchinnan community councils, but officers have recommended permission is granted, providing Persimmon enter into a legal agreement to make a financial contribution to any educational requirements.
Papers due to be presented to the council’s planning board on Tuesday say the developer has confirmed they are willing to make that contribution.
It is thought the development will generate around 20 new pupils at St John Bosco Primary and, as a minimum, an extra classroom at the school would be required.
The 25 objections submitted to the council include concerns around a lack of local infrastructure and low-cost housing and a loss of green space.
Erskine Community Council said it feared there would also be a risk of black fungus to properties in proximity to the whisky bonds over the River Clyde, while Inchinnan Community Council said it would be “careless” for the council to approve the plans until existing infrastructure is improved.
In their response to objections, planning chiefs stated: “It is agreed open green space will be lost should the development proceed. However, the site has been zoned for development for many years.
“The proposed layout includes a range of green/ open space elements which will weave through the site, including the creation of a riverside park.
“The applicant has undertaken a comprehensive review of the educational requirements and will make a financial contribution if there is confirmation there are educational impacts.
“The site is in close proximity to service and facilities in Erskine and provision has been made to allow buses to go through the site.
“The applicant has provided information which sets out how this development would achieve requirements of the policy in the proposed Renfrewshire Local Development Plan relative to housing mix and house types including bungalows, terraced and flatted properties, which will be available at affordable prices.”
Several pre-application meetings have taken place over the last four years, the council has said, with various parties representing both the applicant and the owner of the hotel regarding potential development.
Councillors will make a final decision at a virtual meeting of the communities, housing and planning board at 1pm on Tuesday.
The applicant has undertaken a comprehensive review of the educational requirements