An appeal against Renfrewshire Council’s decision to reject plans for dozens of homes on land next to a roundabout in Paisley could be determined by early September.

Springfield Properties proposed the development of 45 flats – designed specifically for older residents and the ambulant disabled – for a site between Abbeyfield House and Ivy Gardens in Station Road.

But the blueprint was refused after a vote at the planning and climate change policy board in March.

A majority of members agreed it would have an “intrusive and over-dominant impact” on the character of the built environment and its residential amenity.

Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP representative for Paisley East and Central, said at the time: “I agree with the planning officers’ assessment on this one … clearly, in terms of its height, scale and design, it’s not appropriate.

“In some cases in planning, there are grey areas and this isn’t one of them.”

However, the housebuilder has challenged the ruling to the Scottish Government, arguing the local authority “failed to consider the overall merits of the proposal.”

In an appeal statement last month, it said: “Approval of planning consent for this development is appropriate in terms of national and local planning policy and the decision-making process as set out in the act.

“The appeal should be allowed in order to facilitate the development of much-needed affordable housing and associated benefits.”

Last week, Springfield Partnerships managing director Tom Leggeat, said: “In the midst of a national housing crisis, it is more important than ever before that councils and developers work together to ensure there is good quality, energy efficient housing available for people that need it.

“Our application for 45 affordable apartments within a specialist dementia friendly living complex will create accessible living for people who need it the most.”

Meanwhile, objections to the plans have been submitted by people living in nearby Weavers Gate, with the residential association expressing concerns around issues such as a potential impact on privacy and daylight. It also claimed the site was “much too small” for such a development.

The case has been allocated to a Scottish Government reporter and a decision on the appeal is targeted for September 10.