Ally McCoist faces anger from hundreds at plan for 38 houses and flats

Football legend Ally McCoist has been blasted by hundreds of furious locals at his plans for a plush new housing development.

The ex-striker, 62, is trying to build 38 houses and flats of contemporary design on a vacant site in upmarket Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire.

The site has been described as 'effectively open countryside' in documents submitted to Renfrewshire Council which also state the plans mark a 'logical extension' to the local residential area.

The proposals include details for nine detached houses, six semi-detached houses and 23 flats split into three individual blocks.

But the move has attracted over 300 objections from angry locals who claim it will damage the area and the local biodiversity. 

Andrew Curley wrote in: 'Already the village infrastructure is creaking, schools - particularly Gryffe High - are under severe pressure, roads are busier than ever and it's hard to access GP services. This is the wrong development in the wrong place.'

While lvana Tatek opposed the plans because of flood risk, loss of biodiversity and loss of green space.  

She said: 'This development will set a dangerous precedent for further loss of valuable green space.

'Highly Detrimental visual impact on what is still, despite current efforts, a very beautiful area.'

The local Conservative councillor James MacLaren, who represents Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, has also objected to the plans and insisted Bridge of Weir would struggle to cope with the development.

He said: 'I feel the need to send you an objection to this development. We do not have the transport infrastructure in Bridge of Weir to accommodate more vehicles on the road.

'We already have planning applications that have been passed and waiting to be developed.

'There are not enough doctors at the GP surgery to see patients in a timeous manner. Schools are fit to bursting at both primary and high school in addition to serious repairs and new building required.

'The sewer already overflows out of the manholes in the Horsewood Park during heavy rainfall without adding to the pressure. The site is known for the number of deer and bats that visit.'

MacLaren added: 'In short, this application does nothing for the village but harm.'

While Bridge of Weir Community Council branded the new houses 'unnecessary' and highlighted their concerns for the village.

'Overall we believe this planning application for 38 houses is unnecessary, incompetent and inaccurate.'

McCoist runs development firm James (Glasgow) Ltd along with his associate Jeffrey East.

The firm was set up in 2017 and is involved in the buying and selling of real estate.

James (Glasgow) Ltd said their proposal had been 'informed by sustainable design principles' and would not impact the village.

Renfrewshire Council will make a decision in due course.