Holiday homes are given the no-go
Planners have kicked out a bid to build holiday lodges on green belt land.
Renfrewshire Council refused permission for the 18 chalets in the Bishopton countryside.
Critics insisted there would be a slew of environmental and privacy problems if the development was given the green light.
Fraser Carlin, head of planning and housing for the local authority, revealed the decision in a report to councillors.
He said: “Planning permission is sought in principle for the erection of 18 holiday lodges at land approximately 200 metres east of Laugh Hatton Farm.
“The land proposed to accommodate the development is located off Greenock Road and is currently agricultural land within the green belt.
“The 18 lodges and potential associated facilities, services, infrastructure, landscaping on this site is likely to appear quite crammed.
“This could have an adverse impact on the overall appearance of the site and not fitting with the location.
“The development may encourage business and could contribute towards assisting existing businesses which support tourism in this area.
“As the application is in principle only, the design of the development cannot be fully considered at this time nor can the scale and positioning of the proposed lodges.
“Overa l l , it is not considered that the current proposals would meet all of the relevant criteria for tourism development within the green belt at this particular location.”
Agents Scotplan submitted the application on behalf of a building client.
More than a dozen objections were lodged over the project.
Locals claimed a nearby burn could be contaminated by work due to a lack of drainage and cited concerns over noise.
Fa m i l i e s insisted development would impact on the road network and protected wildlife could be disturbed.
Mr Carlin wrote to the applicant to reveal the rejection.
He added: “The council has decided to refuse your application.
“You have the right to seek a review of the decision within three months from the date of the notice.”