Plans to build a battery plant on greenbelt land have been rejected by East Renfrewshire Council.

The majority of councillors on the planning applications committee voted against the proposals.

These plans had intended to create a 40MW battery energy storage facility on land at the east side of Glasgow Road, adjacent to the Belle Craig roundabout.

The proposals caused 'major controversy' among residents of Eaglesham and Waterfoot, who submitted 251 valid objections.

Eastwood Scottish Conservative MSP, Jackson Carlaw, was among those who opposed the plans and has welcomed the council's decision.

He said: "I am delighted that East Renfrewshire Council has rejected the unacceptable plans for a large-scale battery energy storage facility on the Eastwood greenbelt.

"The land on Glasgow Road that was subject to the planning application is marked as a greenfield site in the council’s Local Development Plan and it should not be torn up in favour of an unwanted battery plant."

Mr Carlaw also raised the possibility of the developers appealing the council's decision to the Scottish Government, which could potentially overturn the council's determination.

He said: "Large numbers of people in Eaglesham and Waterfoot made clear that they were strongly against the proposal and the correct decision has been made at council to refuse the application.

"However, local residents should be aware that the developer can choose to appeal the council’s decision to the Scottish Government Reporter so the verdict of councillors to refuse planning permission may not be the end of the matter.

"I am clear in my view that decisions on planning applications should be made locally and the determination made by a majority of the democratically elected representatives on East Renfrewshire’s Planning Applications Committee should be respected."