Homes plan decision halted for site visit to assess road safety

A decision on plans for 10 houses on the site of a former children’s home in Howwood has been put on hold.

AS Homes Scotland wants to build the small development where Carsewood Home was once located in Hillfoot Drive.

The brownfield land, which is now unoccupied, has been earmarked for a series of detached two-storey houses.

But concerns were raised at a recent planning board about the impact it could have on road safety in the village.

Councillor Chris Gilmour, who represents Howwood, called for the application for planning permission to be continued until a site visit has taken place.

He raised the issue of a “tight” junction at Bowfield Road and Hill Road, where vehicles would drive up to reach Hillfoot Drive.

The potential impact of increased traffic at this area was highlighted by Renfrewshire Council’s roads team and prompted the applicant to offer improvements including a raised table, footway extensions and signage.

However, Councillor Gilmour remained unconvinced by the plans, saying: “The planning board would benefit from a site visit, which would perhaps crystalise their views on that junction.

“Even though they’ve said they are going to put mitigations in on their application form, I think if people physically went to the site they would see just how tight that junction is.”

Councillor Andy Doig, who also represents the village, backed Councillor Gilmour’s request for members to visit the location.

He expressed worries about the effect of more traffic on the sharp bend at Bowfield Road and Midton Road, where trucks and other large vehicles often veer on to the wrong side of the road as they navigate the corner.

Councillor Doig added: “I’ve read the papers in great detail. I understand the applicants have said they’ll put in mitigations in relation to the traffic issue.

“The main entrance to this site would be via the Midton Road and Bowfield Road junction, which is a very controversial junction.

“That’s really the only entrance up to the Hill Road.

“The Hill Road and Bowfield Road junction itself is extremely tight. The line of sight is very poor.

“This might look like what the lawyers would call a prima facie case – it’s a brownfield site, it was a children’s home, they only want 10 houses but that could mean another 20 to 25 cars trying to access that site. I really do think a site visit is necessary.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, board convener, confirmed the request for a site visit had been accepted.

They only want 10 homes but that could mean another 20 to 25 cars trying to access that site