A CONSULTATION is to be staged to give residents the chance to have their say on a £100million transformation of council housing in Renfrewshire.

The huge sum will be invested in a regeneration and renewal programme to deliver modern, high-quality, energy-efficient, affordable council housing over the next decade.

Members of Renfrewshire Council’s communities, housing and planning board have now given the green light for officers to roll out a detailed consultation over the months ahead.

Residents and owners in eight areas will be invited to give their views on the plans, which include investment in existing properties and outdoor areas, as well as new-build housing.

The eight neighbourhoods in the first phase of the programme are Howwood Road, in Johnstone; Auchentorlie Quadrant, Howard Street, Waverley Road, Thrushcraigs, Springbank Road and Broomlands, all in Paisley; and Moorpark, in Renfrew.

The proposals were created following a detailed assessment of the council’s existing housing stock and aim to improve buildings and external areas such as closes, back courts and bin stores, as well as bringing down energy bills by making homes more energy-efficient.

They could involve the demolition of buildings in four of the areas, with plans being developed for around 300 new-build council homes in their place.

Residents and owners in the properties identified in the proposals have already received a letter from council chiefs to make them aware.

The consultation will include a wider conversation with residents in these areas to help inform a neighbourhood place plan covering how the council and its partners can work together to deliver services.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the communities, housing and planning board, said: “This planned investment could deliver a transformation, not just of the quality of council housing in Renfrewshire but of the wider environment around them.

“We know improving the quality of housing improves people’s quality of life, health and wellbeing and this will do that, while also making council estates and services easier to manage and maintain.

“It will also be central to the area’s economic and social recovery from the pandemic by creating construction jobs for local residents and traders, while promoting Renfrewshire as a great place to live.

“We would stress that, at this stage, all we are putting forward are proposals. If approved, council staff will be in touch with all residents and owners to get their views on the plans and to make sure all voices are heard before any final decisions are made.

“That conversation will be about more than housing – it will take in what residents want from the future of their areas, so I would encourage everyone affected to take part.”