A £200million extension to Braehead shopping centre and 5000 new jobs could be at risk because of a controversial planning decision.

A Scottish Government Reporter has rejected Renfrewshire Council's proposal that the shopping centre and nearby area should be granted town centre status.

Town centre status gives more certainty to development and would be a major boost to future work at the shopping complex.

Braehead bosses say town centre status in the council's local development plan is "crucial" to the extension and the creation of thousands of jobs.

Peter Beagley, properties regional director with responsibility for intu Braehead, said: "Other centres with a less diverse role in the community than Braehead - such as Silverburn and The Fort in Easterhouse - have been granted town centre status.

"Even the derelict piece of waste land that used to be Ravenscraig steel works in Lanarkshire has been given town centre status.

"Town centre status for Braehead would support our planning application that will lead to the £200m investment of private capital in Scotland and the creation of 5000 jobs.

"It would also bring even more community benefits at Braehead, including a new public square, hotel, new arena and significant infrastructure improvements.

"These will include a new public transport interchange that can facilitate the proposed Fastlink bus service from the south of Glasgow to Renfrew."

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan also warned the decision would limit the future development of Braehead and threaten jobs and business growth.

He said: "I am disappointed and concerned at the decision to limit Braehead substantial potential."