Controversial housing plan to go before council chiefs
A decision is set to be made this week on a controversial plan to build almost 40 homes on the outskirts of Barrhead.
Council planners have recommended Briar Homes’ bid to develop land at Lyoncross Farm, off Aurs Road, is refused — and 16 objections have been received.
However, the developers believe the project promotes “the natural extension of Barrhead” and will be “attractive to a wide range of households”.
The issue initially went before East Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee last month, but councillors delayed making a decision to visit the site.
It will be reconsidered at a meeting tomorrow.
At the first meeting, Councillor Betty Cunningham, Labour, said: “I know this site very, very well. The houses that are being proposed, I’m surprised there’s not a lot more because it is a prime site. I certainly will not be knocking back any houses being built in Barrhead, it’s something we are crying out for.
“We don’t want to reject housing because we badly need them.”
Cllr Paul Edlin, Conservative, said he was “torn” after hearing Cllr Cunningham’s comments and suggested a site visit, which was agreed.
However, council officials have concerns over the lack of affordable housing in the plan, the impact on Dams to Darnley Country Park and the loss of “established” trees.
Briar Homes wants to build 39 detached homes and retain the existing, listed farmhouse. The application states the farmhouse, which could be refurbished under a future application, would be “an anchor point in the development, providing a sense of place and continuity to the site”.
If approved, the scheme would include a mix of three, four and five-bed detached properties for private sale and a “high level of recreational and amenity space for residents”, the developers have said.
Planners recommend refusal as the proposal was “not anticipated or planned for” within a Barrhead South masterplan and does not meet affordable housing requirements.
They are also concerned the development could have a “significant adverse impact” on the Dams to Darnley Country Park, through loss of land and severing the route of a “key access link”.
The 16 objectors raised concerns over a loss of open space, traffic congestion, the cutting down of trees and disruption during construction.
New homes are under construction to the south and west of the site and the Barrhead South masterplan area only has “an allocated capacity” of 158 units at Lyoncross. Planning permission has already been granted for 160 units.
Officials reported the company believes the site is “not suitable” for affordable housing and they intend to pay a “commuted sum” instead.
They stated: “Given the pressing need and demand for affordable housing in the area; the significantly increased size of the council’s housing waiting list; and the increase in homeless applications submitted to the council, it is considered appropriate for any planning approval to require on-site affordable provision.”
A tree survey revealed 59 of 99 trees would be removed, with 30 of those solely to accommodate the development. The developers intend to plant 185 trees along with “numerous woodland and hedgerow plants”.
But the planners believe the removal of “existing mature trees” will “further exacerbate the visual impact and detract from the character” of the site. £1.55
It is considered appropriate for any planning approval to require on-site affordable provision
£2.50
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