2 days ago
Concerns over developers plan to chop 41 trees near Glasgow
Briar homes was due to start construction work in mid-June to build 39 homes adjacent to the Avant Homes Weavers Lea/Littleton Park development in Barrhead, on the former site of Lyoncross Farm.
The developers, however, have submitted a change with council planners to enhance access, parking bays and paths, and to remove even more trees than originally planned.
Residents opposed to the plans say the loss of trees, including a huge sycamore to make way for a "single parking bay", will 'change the local skyline forever".
The trees can be seen in the background of those photo of Barrhead High School (Image: Sourced) A resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'We have identified an abundance of European protected (tree) species at Lyoncross and the current planning application from Briar is wholly inadequate with regards to it not having any information to support European species being there and is more than three years out of date.
'It has many failings to check properly in a nature sensitive area (e.g for bats) and it is also not compliant with the national planning framework that hedgerows and trees that support protected species should not be removed unless there is overwhelming public interest to do so."
The resident also claims that bat detectors have shown an abundance of European protected species including the common pipistrelle and the soprano pipistrelle.
There are also believed to be two nesting herons on the site.
'They (Briar Homes) have started to move heavy machinery onto the site with total disregard for nature and the law,' explained the resident.
'We think there is foul play here. It's really disgusting what is happening.
'We haven't had any response from Briar Homes and their construction people are very disrespectful as they clearly don't understand the law and what nature is there."
Lyoncross Farmhouse (Image: Sourced)
'This tree lined avenue must be saved to protect European species and maintain the listed house setting (of the 18th century Lyoncross farmhouse)," they added.
'This should be saved for the heritage of the people of Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, as part of Dams to Darnley and Scotland nationally and in keeping with East Renfrewshire Council's Barrhead South master town plan.
'The people of East Renfrewshire will never forgive the council if this is done.'
READ NEXT: Plans progress for cycling and skateboarding track
An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: 'We're currently working with the developers to ensure all of the pre-commencement conditions relating to the approved application are addressed.
"This amended application is currently being considered in line with all relevant legislation and will go before the planning applications committee in due course."
A spokesperson from Briar Homes, added: 'Following the purchase of the land in May 2025, and in keeping with demand, our mission is to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes in Barrhead.
"We support the wider regeneration of Barrhead including contributions towards affordable housing and an extensive landscaping and tree provision strategy.
"We have been consulting and collaborating with East Renfrewshire Council on all aspects of development.
"We continue to engage with local residents and our construction approach aims to prioritise the health and safety of both workers and the community while minimising disruption to residents.
"In accordance with an amendment to the existing planning permission, we have agreed with East Renfrewshire Council to appoint an ecological consultant to advise on all construction works on the site, which includes an updated European protected species survey.
"We can confirm that no tree felling will take place until a full bat roost potential and bird nesting survey has taken place."
