Joy as homes bid is rejected

Politicians united with the community to save a muchloved patch of countryside from housing developers.

Campaigners fought to prevent 50 new homes being built in the Fereneze Braes in Barrhead.

The planning application was rejected by East Renfrewshire Council bosses over environmental concerns.

Campaigners opposed to the plan said it would negatively impact the environment and cause safety concerns for children.

However they are concerned the developers may appeal the decision.

Conservative MSP for the West of Scotland, Maurice Golden, said: “I am pleased that the council have listened to the overwhelming feelings of local residents and I hope that this is an attitude that prevails going forward.

“However, the fight to save Fereneze is not over – even if the council has rejected the application, the developer can still lodge an appeal.”

Green MSP Ross Greer also supported the campaigners. He said: “Whilst I am happy councillors have supported the objections from myself and many local residents, this is still obviously of ongoing environmental concern given the unfortunate possibility that Gladman might appeal the decision to the government with no further recourse to action for the community and council if they succeed.

“Even if the council had ruled against the people of Barrhead, there would be no right to appeal for residents.”

Renfrewshire East Council planners threw out the application by Gladman Developments by 18 votes to zero.