By Monica Gibson

PLANS for more than 800 homes have been given the go-ahead by East Renfrewshire Council planners despite fierce opposition from anti-flooding campaigners.

The joint CALA Homes and Taylor Wimpey development at Maidenhill Farm, Newton Mearns, is targeted for completion by 2019, and includes plans for a new 400-pupil primary school and greenspace the equivalent size of 19 football pitches.

However, Newton Mearns Residents Flood Prevention Group (NMRFPG) believe the plans will create a new ‘urban quarter’ in Newton Mearns, and put too much strain on a ‘pre-war’ sewer system.

Despite several councillors sharing their concerns, the plan was approved at a meeting of ERC’s planning committee on Friday by a majority of four votes to three.

Michael Bradnam, of NMRFPG, told the Barrhead News: “Naturally this is very disappointing news. As far as we are concerned, the application failed to demonstrate that there would not be a worsening situation with regards to flooding.

“The application did not comply with council requirements or national requirements and we remain concerned about the whole thing.”

The planning committee decision applies to the first 400 homes which will be connected to the existing sewer network with no requirement for it to be upgraded.

However, the committee stipulated developers must have a plan in place to bring the system up to scratch for the second phase of the development – devised in conjunction with Scottish Water – before anyone can move in.

The council insists all necessary checks were carried out on the development’s drainage strategy in advance of the decision, and said the plan complies with its regulations as a Flood Prevention Authority.

An ERC spokesman added: “As part of any planning application for a major development a drainage strategy report is prepared by a specialist hydrologist to outline how surface water run-off will be managed. The necessary checks are then carried out to ensure the proposed measures comply with the Council’s requirements in our role as Flood Prevention Authority. “Officers are satisfied the proposals put forward for Maidenhill, which includes the installation of drainage systems at four separate parts of the site, will control surface water run-off rates at the required level.

“This application was rigorously assessed by planning officers and was subsequently approved by elected members on the planning committee. In relation to the sewage system it is also important to stress that Scottish Water, which is responsible for the area’s drainage network, did not object to the planning application.”

Cala Homes and Taylor Wimpey, who are building the development say it will bring significant investment to the area, including the primary school, incorporating a nursery, along with sports and play facilities and a religious facility.

Managing Director of CALA Homes (West), Jim McIntyre, said: “We are excited to bring to life our vision for Maidenhill which has been carefully considered throughout this process. We are committed to creating a development that complements and becomes an extension to neighbouring communities whilst meeting the housing need in Newton Mearns at the same time.