Councillors will visit the site of a potential holiday lodge in Lochwinnoch as they prepare to make a decision on the “controversial” plans next month.

Permission has been requested for the proposal at High Linthills, Linthills Road, which Renfrewshire Council planning officers said should be granted subject to conditions.

However, a decision was delayed at August’s planning and climate change policy board, with elected members set to attend the location on Tuesday (October 15), after a plea from Councillor Andy Doig was accepted at the meeting.

Initially, the application was due to be determined by officers but it was called into the board because, according to a council report, the matter was deemed “controversial in the eyes of the local community”.

Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative of the village, asked at the board: “Can I move a site visit for this application, convener?

“I think some of the constituents that live in the area have raised concerns, mainly about access and about increased traffic.

“It’s in a very rural part of Renfrewshire. The infrastructure is not advanced by any manner of means, so I think it would be useful if we all had a site visit.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, board convener and SNP representative for Renfrew South and Gallowhill, agreed to Councillor Doig’s request.

He said: “If a local member asks for a site visit, I always feel that it’s the right thing to do, although I’m not sure I agree with the increase in traffic argument for one holiday lodge.

“But I defer to the fact that a site visit – if you feel that would help us make an informed decision, Councillor Doig – I’m happy to accept that proposal for you and we can arrange it.”

The site is located towards the end of Linthills Road and consists of grassland with a rocky outcrop towards the north-western boundary.

It is accessed from Linthills Road which bounds the site to the south. The southern boundary is defined by a hedge and trees along the road edge.

There are neighbouring residential properties approximately 35 metres to the south of the access. Meanwhile, to the east the site is bound by a strip of woodland, with rolling grassland to the north and west.

The site visit is for elected members only and the application is expected to return to the board on Tuesday, November 5, for further consideration.