The local authority’s Planning Board unanimously agreed on 8 November 2016 to refuse planning permission in principle for housing on land at Wester Gartshore Road, Waterside Road, Kirkintilloch.

Grounds for refusal included the application being contrary to the council’s Local Development Plan - which designates the 6.5-hectare site as greenbelt - and Scottish Planning Policy.

Board members determined that the application would have an adverse impact on landscape, biodiversity and the greenbelt. There were also objections from a local resident and Gartconner Primary Parent Council.

Following the refusal, Persimmon Homes lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government, however, a Reporter for the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has now dismissed that appeal and upheld the Board’s decision.

She said: “The proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission.”

Councillor Billy Hendry, chair of East Dunbartonshire’s Planning Board, said: “This is excellent news for East Dunbartonshire and clearly demonstrates that the council has a robust greenbelt policy which we will continue to protect and defend.

“The decision vindicates the Board’s united stance to refuse permission - based on planning policy and in particular concerns over inappropriate development in the greenbelt, biodiversity and landscape issues.

“The proposal was contrary to the new Local Development Plan and potentially paved the way for more applications to build on greenbelt sites, so I’m delighted that the Scottish Government Reporter has dismissed the appeal.”

A separate appeal against the council’s decision to reject plans to build 57 new homes on a greenbelt site near Birdston Road in Milton of Campsie was upheld by ministers last week.