Housing plans appeal refused
AN APPEAL against Renfrewshire Council’s decision to reject plans for dozens of affordable homes on land next to a roundabout in Paisley has been dismissed by the Scottish Government.
Springfield Properties proposed the development of 45 flats, designed specifically for older residents and the ambulant disabled, for a site between Abbeyfield House and Ivy Gardens, on Station Road.
However, the blueprint was refused after a vote at the planning and climate change policy board back in March.
A majority of members agreed it would have an “intrusive and over-dominant impact” on the character of the built environment and its residential amenity.
That decision has now been upheld by the planning and environmental appeals division, with Andrew Sikes, the reporter appointed by Scottish ministers, confirming the appeal was unsuccessful nearby Weavers Gate, with the residential association expressing concerns around issues such as a potential impact on privacy and daylight. It also claimed the site was “much too small” for such a development.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest and member of the planning board, said: “I am pleased that the independent Scottish Government reporter has agreed with the council that this planning application was unsuitable for the area.
“There were concerns about the scale of this development compared to neighbouring properties and potential problems with road traffic of these new 45 households trying to squeeze onto Station Road alongside the traffic from Ivy Gardens, Castle Gardens and surrounding streets.
“Hopefully local residents can relax that this proposal has been thrown out and this intrusion into their neighbourhood will not go ahead.”