Proposals for vacant land in Paisley have been withdrawn amid a sea of more than 260 objections.

A planning application was submitted to Renfrewshire Council for 4 Linwood Road in late March with a “masterplan” prepared by architects on behalf of Classic Land and Property Ltd.

It proposed a change of use for the vacant land and the expansion of their existing van and sales centre “Northern Vans”, with associated shed workshop/office/welfare facilities, container storage, prefabricated units and hardstanding.

The design statement said: “The proposals include the expansion of a yard to create hardstanding for 20ft and 40ft storage containers, portacabins and a new maintenance shed and covered valet area for the vehicle sale and leasing operation.”

If given the go-ahead, the plans would have seen several jobs provided for the local community.

The unused green space sits beside an electricity distribution site and behind the van-selling unit.

It is bounded to the north by a number of homes on Fisher Drive.

A pre-application response from Renfrewshire Council to the applicant last year noted that the site is covered almost in its entirety by trees and these would need to be removed to accommodate the development.

Those who objected to the plans outlined a variety of reasons for their opposition, including environmental concerns.

One said: “Advice from an ecologist, with a supporting report, concluded that there are a number of animals and birds with conservation classes red and amber, residing in the woodland.

“It can be argued that the woodland is ‘wet woodland’ and a significant habitat.”

Another objector stated: “This planned development is proposed in an area where wildlife lives.

“Removing this area will cause severe disruption and constant pollution and noise to the area.

“This will in turn affect house pricing for any residents looking to sell their properties.”

A third person opposing added: “I object to the construction of this new commercial plot due to the following reasons; loss of privacy for all residents neighbouring the site due to the self- storage containers being two-storeys high with a catwalk that will overlook residents gardens (and) loss of security from people using these catwalks to observe residential homes for potential targets for robbery.

They also stated in their objection concerns about an increase of noise disturbing people who work nightshift or from home, light pollution from the site being open 24/7, pollution from the construction in the Victorian drainage system on the land, loss of biodiversity in the area from the destruction of the forested area, and local disruption to traffic on the main road to Elderslie during the time of construction.

Northern Vans have been contacted for comment.