Plans for new homes on vacant land given go-ahead by Renfrewshire council

A major developer’s plans for 119 homes on vacant land in Renfrew have been given the go ahead by councillors.

Bellway has been granted planning permission for 80 flats and 39 houses on the site next to Laymoor Avenue and King’s Inch Road.

A combination of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes have been planned for the brownfield site.

A total of 32 units are to be provided as affordable housing, representing 27 per cent of the overall number of properties at the location.

This will be secured through a Section 75 legal agreement to make sure they remain affordable for their lifetime.

The site is bordered by a residential development to the north-west, Howden factory to the south and Braehead shopping centre car parks to the north-east, east and south-east.

The application was first dealt with at August’s planning board where Councillor John Shaw, an SNP rep for Renfrew North and Braehead, requested a continuation so a site visit could take place.

At the meeting in the summer, he said: “I have concerns over the road capacity, which I was told previously by the roads manager was at capacity, but that was prior to the 400-odd houses we’re building across the road.

“I’m also concerned about the proximity to the huge Howden complex beside it, so I think it’d be helpful if we got out and had a look at the site.”

A site visit was held on October 11 and the application returned to the board on Tuesday.

Eight objections have been submitted to Renfrewshire Council’s planning department, including worries about additional traffic as a result, potential pressure on education and medical facilities, and building works causing disturbance in the area.

However, various conditions have been attached to the decision, ranging from some around visual and residential amenity to others around traffic and pedestrian safety.

A report to the board advised: “In summary, it is considered that the proposal would be in an appropriate sustainable location, where residential development is acceptable.

“It would deliver a well-designed housing site as well as support the objectives of Renfrewshire’s local housing strategy.”