An application has been approved to change a former horse exercise yard into a community allotment in Erskine despite objections. The plan, which includes associated landscaping works and the installation of gates, is for land to the south-west of 4 Park Mains Holdings, Barrhill Road. The proposal was received by the Renfrewshire Council in June and granted this month.
The application site, which is located within an established residential area, fronts a road to the west. Residential properties are found to the east and south while an existing allotment is found to the north. The land is currently vacant and next to the Erskine Community Allotments which plan to incorporate it into their site in order to expand it.
In doing so, they plan to move the current boundary fence across the back of the vacant site. According to the proposal, a gap at the rear would be left to allow the neighbour access to maintain their hedge. Three objections were received in relation to the application from local residents.
Among the issues raised were that the gates would be out of keeping with the location, the development would generate noise, nearby roads would not be able to support additional traffic and parking, inconsistent drawings, the site may not be maintained in the future, the allotment will attract pests and boundary fencing should be provided. Concerns were also raised about "overlooking". In their assessment, the planning department said "the use of the land as an allotment would .
