In response, the agent representing Murdoch’s said: “Ecological and protected species surveys were done in preparation of the application and there were no protected species found on sites at the time.
“There is a condition proposed that additional surveys will be required prior to development. That is something that we will ensure is appropriately mitigated.”
Council leader Owen O’Donnell said Murdoch’s was not just a local business in Neilston but a neighbour.
He added: “It is an integral part of Neilston and will take all of these objections and conditions seriously. I have got every confidence that they will treat this seriously and respectfully.”
The land is located in the greenbelt on the south side of Lochlibo Road.
The council report said it included “an area of brownfield land and an existing workshop/shed associated with a former bus depot” while the “remainder of the site comprises underutilised agricultural grass land”.
The report added that the existing Crofthead Mill site could be redeveloped as a business centre for small and medium enterprises.