An appeal against Renfrewshire Council’s decision to reject plans for dozens of affordable homes on land next to a roundabout in Paisley has been dismissed by the Scottish Government.

Springfield Properties proposed the development of 45 flats – which had been designed specifically for older residents and the ambulant disabled – for a site between Abbeyfield House and Ivy Gardens on Station Road.

However, the blueprint was refused after a vote at the planning and climate change policy board back in March. A majority of members agreed it would have an “intrusive and over-dominant impact” on the character of the built environment and its residential amenity.

The decision has this week been upheld by the planning and environmental appeals division, with Andrew Sikes, the reporter appointed by Scottish ministers, confirming the appeal was unsuccessful in his decision notice.

He said: “In terms of scale and height, the proposed development is evidently larger and taller than that of surrounding buildings, which are residential in character and rise to no more than three storeys … The overall effect is of a building that appears too big for the site and one which would dominate its surroundings.

“This leads me to the clear conclusion that the proposed development fails to continue the built form of the local area or make a positive contribution to the ‘place’ … Finally, the scale and height of the proposed development would not be sympathetic to its surroundings, as sought by the council’s residential design guide, specifically its advice on density and form.”

Objections had been submitted by people living in nearby Weavers Gate, with the residential association expressing concerns around issues such as a potential impact on privacy and daylight. It also claimed the site was “much too small” for such a development.

Reacting to the decision, Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest and member of the planning board, said: “I am pleased that the independent Scottish Government reporter has agreed with the council that this planning application was unsuitable for the area.

“There were concerns about the scale of this development compared to neighbouring properties and potential problems with road traffic of these new 45 households trying to squeeze onto Station Road alongside the traffic from Ivy Gardens, Castle Gardens and surrounding streets.

“Hopefully local residents can relax that this proposal has been thrown out and this intrusion into their neighbourhood will not go ahead.”