VILLAGERS are hoping to pull the plug on controversial plans to change the status of a greenbelt site.

Renfrewshire Council has indicated its support for a move to build more than 100 homes on a field next to Burnfoot Road, in Lochwinnoch.

However, campaigners fear any development could lead to problems with flooding and cause transport “chaos.”

They have handed a petition containing almost 900 signatures to council bosses, as well as a formal objection to the proposals.

Paul McDonald, who lives in Burnfoot Road, told The Gazette he has experienced flooding problems before and fears the situation will be even worse if new homes are built at the site.

He said: “Back in 2010, I had to carry my two children out of my house due to a flash flood. The risk of this will only increase – and we were out of our home for months.

“The new homes will also mean 200 or so new cars, which will put pressure on local roads.”

Proposals to convert the site are part of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, which recommends up to 113 homes are built.

In a background report, council chiefs suggest Stewart Milne Homes as potential developers and say they believe the plans are deliverable and effective.

It is stated that Lochwinnoch Primary School would need additional provision to accommodate the new housing development.

The report continues: “The developer has indicated that all the constraints to developing on this site, such as drainage, access and infrastructure, can be dealt with.

“The development of the site would represent a sustainable extension to the village which, subject to a sensitive site layout, would provide a positive addition to Lochwinnoch while having a minimal impact on the surrounding greenbelt and landscape character.”

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said the  Local Development Plan will now be subject to an examination by a Reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers.

He added: “It is great to see communities in Renfrewshire taking an active role in local development planning and we welcome the representations received, which will be taken into consideration as part of the next step in the process.”

A spokesman for Stewart Milne Homes said the company would hold a public consultation at the McKillop Institute, in Lochwinnoch, on Tuesday, June 25, between 12.30pm and 7.30pm, to highlight its plans for the area.

He added: “We look forward to receiving the community’s comments to our carefully-designed proposals for this housing site.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond