Building of around 100 new Council homes in Tannahill has been backed by Renfrewshire councillors this week.

The £14million plans which have been descibed as “a significant step” in wider regeneration aims for Ferguslie Park, was backed by the councillors at the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.

There will be a phased construction of a range of different homes, designed and built to meet the needs of existing tenants and considering future needs.

Council tenants of properties which are to be subject to demolition will be offered suitable alternative housing, including moving into one of the newbuild homes or transferring to another Renfrewshire council house. 

The board's convener, Councillor Marie McGurk is excited by this housing investment, which is also being welcomed by local residents.

She said: “This investment in Ferguslie Park housing means tenants and residents who live in the Tannahill area will be able to stay here and the design of the new homes will be based on what they want and need,” said Councillor McGurk.

The Gazette: Councillor McGurk

“It is a significant step forward as we improve the quality of available housing in Ferguslie Park and is just the start as we are working on wider housing-led regeneration plans over the coming years.”provide housing options advice to tenants of private landlords.

Tannahill Council tenants and home owners gave their thoughts on the proposals last month, with 94% of Council tenants who responded signalling their backing for the plans, while more than 60% of private owners who gave feedback are also behind the project.

Betty Docherty, who has lived in Tannahill for 23 years, said: “I’m looking forward to having a new house and the first thing I’ll do is put the kettle on, make a cup of tea and have a natter with my neighbour."

The Gazette:

“There’s good people here and I like living in Tannahill, but there’s a lot of empty homes and some of the houses are in a bad way so it’ll be a massive step forward,” added Sarah Lappin, who is from Ferguslie Park and spent the last 16 years at her Tannahill home.

John McIntyre, Chair of Ferguslie Community Council said: “These new homes will breathe new life into Tannahill and give people high quality houses they can be proud of.

"It’s pleasing to see that this is just the start of the housing investment here and we will be encouraging the local community to get involved and help shape the future for Ferguslie Park.”

Construction of the new homes is expected to start in 2020, with funding from Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Alongside this, the Council will prepare a development framework for the wider area in consultation with the local community, considering all options to secure long-term regeneration objectives.

Councillor McGurk added: “We are committed to working in partnership with the community and our housing team will be writing to all the residents in the Tannahill area and meeting with local people on a one-to-one basis to discuss the development in more detail and outline all available options for both tenants and owners."