A Bridge of Weir councillor has urged his fellow elected members to listen carefully to village voices before making any call on plans for 39 new homes.
James MacLaren received full backing from the chamber at a planning board meeting this week when he called for a site visit to be carried out in Station Road, where L&S Homes is hoping to erect a development on the site of Beaton Bros Coal Merchants.
The proposals have proved to be contentious and have attracted a pile of objections from residents and public bodies who believe they could be a final nail in the coffin to hopes of reviving the old railway.
The area used to be home to the village’s train station but this was closed in 1983 amid a major restructure of the railway system.
Councillor MacLaren - who is the sole representative for the village on the board - said it was important his colleagues got a good look at the site and has urged them to consider the views of the community.
“I am acutely aware many constituents have voiced their opposition to these plans," said the Conservative councillor.
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“Given I am now the only local councillor [for the area] on this board, I felt it would be appropriate for other Renfrewshire councillors to see this site for themselves to assess the topography and the access roads.
“I always prefer to see housing developments on brownfield sites, but they must be situated on appropriate sites.
"I will be continuing to listen closely to local voices and encourage other councillors to do so before making a decision on this application.”
Glasgow-based L&S Homes plans to erect a mixture of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with gardens, parking and recreation space.
There would be 95 parking spaces – two at each home and 17 visitor spots – and it is proposed to weave the existing cycle route through the site.
Planning bosses have said reopening the railway line - which also used to run to Kilmacolm and Erskine - would prove challenging and the route has not been protected in the Local Development Plan.
They have additionally argued the development would boost the cycle route's visibility, despite contrasting concerns it would stop people using it.
The proposals will come back to a future meeting of the planning board next year following the site visit when a final decision will be made.
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