CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 2500 homes on one of Scotland's most contaminated sites have been given the go-ahead.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 2500 homes on one of Scotland's most contaminated sites have been given the go-ahead.

The former Royal Ordnance Factory in Bishopton will be transformed into a "new town" over the next 15 years after developers finally secured outline planning permission.

The masterplan for the old munitions plant was first unveiled four years ago and has faced a storm of public protest.

More than 2300 villagers objected amid health fears over the contaminated soil spread over the 2400 acres site.

But councillors passed the application by 12 votes to two after planning officials stated there was no solid basis for their concerns.

The regeneration plan will see thousands of homes, a business park, a community woodland and leisure facilities created on 23% of the land.

Councillor Bruce McFee, a member of the Renfrewshire Council's planning board and the council's spokesman on economic development, echoed the residents' concerns.

He said: "This application is ill conceived, ill thought out, and thoughtlessly presented.

"There is no sense of place, just a suspicion the development will become another dormitory area.

"We know, for example, that access to parts of the community woodland will be restricted due to the level of contamination."

Detailed planning consent was also given for a new motorway junction off the M8, which will serve the anticipated population of 7000.

Councillor Iain Nicolson, convener of the Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, said: "This development has the potential to significantly boost the local and regional economy, provide housing, deal with remediation of contaminated land and act as a driver for business growth."

He added: "All the various economic, environmental, community impact and transport issues have been studied and consulted on in extensive detail."

Janette Waller, a member of Bishopton Action Group, which was formed to oppose the masterplan, said: "We feel betrayed and devastated by this decision. Around 94% of people voted against the proposals in a community council referendum.

"It's our view this development will be a constant source of problems and will pose a serious risk to future generations."

Site owner BAE Systems, which submitted the two applications with Redrow Homes, needs the revenue from the housing development to fund the clean-up of the land, which is estimated to cost anything up to £40million.

The sprawling site employed up to 10,000 people through two world wars and closed in 1999.