The Scottish Government should alter planning laws so communities have the same right of appeal as applicants, Renfrewshire councillors have insisted.
Elected members got behind a motion raised by Andy Doig at the latest full council meeting which called for ministers to review current legislation so community forums get more say over what is built and where in their area.
As things stand, community councils or other similar groups do not have the chance to formally appeal a planning decision, whereas applicants can take their case to Edinburgh and have council calls overturned.
PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS: Live news as it happens
The council has also agreed the will of communities should inform the creation of future Local Development Plans (LDPs) at all stages, after a patch of greenbelt land in Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch, ended up in the latest LDP against villagers' wishes.
Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said the current rules were unfair and put power in applicants' hands.
During the meeting, he said: "It really is disproportionate applicants have this power [of appeal], because they have in some ways already got access to legal advice that communities don’t have.
"It really just tilts the balance of power in favour of applicants.
"Everyone can probably think of examples where a decision has been refused and it’s gone to Edinburgh and been overturned.
"We got ourselves into a bit of a pickle with the LDP. Had community councils been a statutory part of this, that would not have happened.
"If we are going to talk community empowerment, we have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk."
Around half the residents in Lochwinnoch objected to a field in Burnfoot Road being included in the LDP, but its inclusion was approved by both the council and subsequently the Scottish Government reporter who examined the blueprint.
Councillor Doig wrote to former planning minister Kevin Stewart asking him to drop that section of the document, but councillors voted to formally adopt the plan in April.
Paisley Southwest representative Eileen McCartin also said community involvement in the formulation of LDPs was vital going forward.
She added: "I can’t emphasize enough the fact that the creation of LDPs must include the local community and local councillors.
"The whole issue Andy has raised is very important but I would emphasize that particular point."
