By Jack Aitchison

THE latest plans have been revealed for the new build at the Paton’s Mill site.

Designs were submitted to Renfrewshire Council outlining the look of two new retail outlets and a drive through restaurant at the site.

The plans also contain designs for a small housing development, a family pub and a community woodland area. The public were first made aware of the build back in June, with locals and councillors urging the planning to preserve some of the heritage aspects related to the historic site.

Detailed out in the planning report, it states: “We believe that the development of the Paton’s Mill location as a gateway site will contribute to Johnstone’s public image helping attract further investment and visitors to the town.

“The Paton’s Mill project will also build on the delivery of new streetscapes, public realm improvement and the recent completion of the new Johnstone Town Hall and works undertaken by Renfrewshire Council in consultation with the community.

“These initiatives, together with the fact that the Paton’s Mill site is perfectly located to benefit from a whole number of wider relationships with Glasgow Airport, the City of Glasgow and the surrounding communities like Houston, Bridge of Weir, Linwood, Kilbarchan and Paisley make the site a perfect contributor to the growing success of Johnstone’s town centre.”

Answering the concerns over heritage, the report adds: “The importance of the site to the history of the town is acknowledged. As part of the consultation event it was agreed that the developer would liaise with the Johnstone Historical Society about ways in which some of the heritage issues affecting the site could be retained.”

Also detailed out in the planning documents was the result of the public consultation event, which highlighted written letters of concern and support for the plans.

These included: “The traffic flow in and out of Johnstone on/off the A737 and for those heading towards either Brookfield, Linwood via Barrochan Road and beyond is already very busy and congested a lot of the time”

However, another said: “The multipurpose element of the site is very appealing.”