PLANS have been lodged to build 35 flats in Johnstone in place of dilapidated industrial units.
Sharp Contracts and Loretto Housing Association have submitted the plans for the development on the corner of MacDowall Street and High Street to Renfrewshire Council for approval.
Proposals state the flats will be situated across three and four-storey buildings and there will be 50 car parking spaces.
The site is currently occupied by vacant industrial units and a car workshop. It is proposed the units will be demolished.
The site, which is on the main road in and out of Johnstone, has long been a source of frustation for locals, who have deemed it an 'eyesore'.
It is expected a decision will be made on whether to give the plans the green light in March.
A design and access statement details the units have have lain empty for some time and are in a “serious state of disrepair”.
Open space within in the site is currently being used as car parking for surrounding properties or as a mechanics yard, but many areas have become overgrown with vegetation.
Access to the site will be from the existing improved access on MacDowall Street and routes into the site will provide entry for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled people.
READ MORE: Plea for action over ‘eyesore’ buildings in Renfrewshire
The applicants say the buildings will be in-keeping with the current look of the area.
The design and access statement says: “The external appearance of the development will take inspiration from the existing buildings on site
and the local context.
“Material and form have been designed to complement neighbouring developments and take inspiration from the existing buildings to be demolished.
“The proposal provides increased housing numbers and density in a prime town centre location and has been provided in a sympathetic manner to the context around it while also creating a comfortable open setting with provision of outdoor amenity space.
“The current proposals have been arrived at through discussion and negotiation with Renfrewshire planning department. The overall scheme has been arrived at with careful and due consideration to the existing site and to any potential impact on the surrounding area.”
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