A CAMPAIGNING councillor claims “common sense has prevailed” after the Scottish Government rejected an appeal by a hotel group to build glamping pods in a Renfrewshire village.

The Manorview Group lodged an application with Renfrewshire Council earlier this year to erect 10 pods in a field to the north of the Bowfield Hotel and Country Club, in Howwood.

Despite officers recommending the proposals be approved, councillors voted for them to be scrapped after concerns were raised by residents and Howwood Community Council about the impact the pods could have on the landscape.

Following the decision, the Manorview Group appealed to the government but the ruling has been upheld and permission denied.

Councillor Andy Doig, who spoke out against the plans back in August, said the decision proves local opinion is valued at a national level.

“This is really good news and a real victory for the community and for common sense I think,” added Councillor Doig, who represents the Howwood area.

“The infrastructure in Bowfield Road will be getting upgraded but it’s not up to scratch just now to take a development like this. There is a lack of suitable drainage.

“I think this decision by the Scottish Government proves they do take into account local community opinion.”

At a meeting of the planning board in August, Councillor Doig had insisted neither the roads nor the sewage system would be able to withstand the development, as he cited previous incidents of flooding in the area.

He said: “The sole access to Bowfield is through the residential route of Bowfield Road and, every time there is flash flooding, water pours down Bowfield Road and the drainage system has problems.

“This recurring problem is such that, last year, when the schools were just going back, the manhole cover at the bottom of Bowfield Road blew off from the water pressure and the surface of the road started to lift.”

Councillor Bill Binks, who also represents Howwood, voiced concerns about litter which could be created by the development.

Residents had also expressed fears over potential air pollution and greater noise levels.

David Tracey, managing director of Manorview Group, said: “We have received notification of the decision but won’t be commenting further at this stage.

“We will be reviewing our options.”