A DECISION on whether to approve a controversial planning application for new houses on green space in the South West of Glasgow has been delayed.

Members of Glasgow City Council’s planning committee said they needed more information from Briar Homes and encouraged the developer to work with them before considering proposals for 49 new homes in Darnley.

The land north of Corselet Road which has a mineshaft in the middle of it was originally protected from development.

But following the announcement there was a shortfall in private housing of 6500 across the city, the local authority agreed no more than 50 homes could be created on the site.

But residents are furious at the proposals, the loss of open space and the impact this will have on the local environment.

On Tuesday councillors discussed the application and raised concerns regarding the loss of trees which would be compensated for.

Members also wanted more information on the exact location of the mine shaft and whether or not future houses and play areas would be in danger of sinking or collapsing.

Before the meeting local resident Laura Jacobs, who objected to the plans, said the proposals were unfair.

She explained: “There has been no consultation at all.

“When I bought my house, I was told this piece of land had green belt status and no one could build on it.

“I think this is very unfair for the residents and the wildlife, including deer foxes and bats, which live in that space.

“It is horrific. The community is being massacred. We are furious.

“We have been talking about these plans for a year. The access road to the site is a single-track road – the developers will have to use it and so will the new residents.

“There is going to be an accident. We should be given some official information from the council.”

During the meeting it emerged that local councillors also felt they had been kept in the dark with the proposals which they described as “vague”.

Councillor Elaine McSporran said: “I am concerned about this plan which is quite vague. What would happen if the mine shaft collapsed, would houses need to be demolished?

“Would owners be made aware this might be a problem that their house may end up sinking.”

Ms McSporran was informed if the application was approved a process would be followed. Members were also advised that homes would not be built on top of the mine shaft – just the area next to it.

A play park may be developed on top of the mineshaft but nothing had been confirmed.

Following the discussion, councillors agreed to continue the application to allow the applicant to work with the council and provide them more information on their proposals.