(Image: Peter Byrne)
Ally McCoist is challenging a council decision to block his proposed housing development, calling the reason for the refusal "very loose".
The former Rangers striker has lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government after Renfrewshire Council rejected his plans for 33 new homes in Bridge of Weir.
His proposal includes four detached houses, six semi-detached properties, and 23 flats across three blocks.
Nearly 400 objections were submitted, raising concerns about the potential impact on the area, alongside around 60 letters of support.
Despite planning officials recommending approval, councillors refused the application in May, citing “detrimental impact” on the conservation area and traffic concerns.
In a 205-page appeal, McCoist’s team described the council’s reasons for refusal as lacking in technical evidence.
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The appeal document states: "The appellant maintains that the council has not demonstrated why the particular design, landscape, and conservation area concerns relied upon justified departing from the comprehensive assessment supporting approval."
The document continues: "The reasons for refusal stated were very loose, not complete or precise, not tied to technical evidence, and with a failure to state a comprehensive reason for refusal supported by relevant planning policy."
Renfrewshire Council has written to the Scottish Government, urging it to uphold the refusal.
The Scottish Government will now consider McCoist’s appeal before making a final decision.
Government reporter Ailie Callan was assigned to the case, but the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) confirmed that she is no longer involved, according to STV.
Documents show that it emerged that Callan’s husband knows a man called John Russell, who represents a residents’ group called the Hammerhead Trust, which has opposed the development.
She was said to have an “indirect connection” to Russell, but it was confirmed on Monday that she will no longer be involved in the case.
A new reporter will be appointed in due course, and a decision will be issued