Inchinnan Development Trust’s bid for planning permission for the project at India Tyres playing fields, off Greenock Road, has been granted, subject to conditions.
The decision means one of the three existing grass pitches at the site will be replaced with a 3G surface which can be used year-round.
It will lead to the creation of a play area positioned at the south-east corner of the land and an accessible path network. A community allotment has also been identified as a potential future feature.
A design and access statement, prepared by MAC Consulting and submitted with the application, shed light on the background of the blueprint.
It said: “Inchinnan Development Trust wishes to construct a new synthetic sports pitch, play park and accessible path network on the site of existing natural grass playing fields at India Tyres Playing Fields, Inchinnan.
“The proposed development will include a full-size synthetic football pitch, fencing, lighting, access paths, play park and associated landscaping.
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“Inchinnan Development Trust has involved a number of local and national stakeholders in the development of this planning application including the Scottish Football Association, St Mirren Youth Football Club and Sportscotland.”
The trust secured a community asset transfer for the playing fields from the local authority in June 2022 and put pen to paper on a 50-year lease.
It has been working on a significant regeneration project to transform the site into an accessible, shared green space that services the community and is in line with its environmental ambitions.
The statement concluded: “The development proposals seek to bring a poorly-drained grass pitch into year-round availability through installing a new synthetic turf surface that is constructed using the latest green technology including organic infill materials and bio-based plastics.
“The project is in line with the current national planning policy, the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan and is integral to the future growth of sporting activities both locally within the community and Renfrewshire-wide.”
In its assessment of the proposal, the council found: “It is considered that the proposed development would enhance and upgrade the existing sports facilities by providing an improved playing surface and adding positively to the existing facilities at the site and would accord with the relevant provisions of the development plan.
“There are no other material considerations. Planning permission should therefore be granted, subject to conditions.”
