RENFREWSHIRE Council has approved a new guide to development in conservation areas.

It provides advice to those who want to apply for a new development or are considering work to a property within a conservation area.

There are currently eight conservation areas in Renfrewshire which require to be safeguarded due to their architectural or historic interest.

Kilbarchan, Houston, Lochwinnoch and the Ranfurly area of Bridge of Weir have all been given the special status.

In Paisley, the town centre has been designated as a built and cultural heritage asset, along with the areas of Castlehead, Greenlaw and Thornly Park.

Conservation area status does not mean that new developments or all alterations will be unacceptable but care must be taken to ensure that new development or work to a property will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the area.

The new guide was approved at the latest meeting of the council’s planning and climate change policy board.

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, whose ward covers Paisley town centre and Castlehead, said: “Over the past few years, myself and Councillor Mags MacLaren have had constituents raise their concerns over some of the plans within the conservation areas in our ward, so we both welcome this guide as it can provide practical information on developments in such areas.

“It is important that care must be taken to ensure that new development or work to a property within a conservation area will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the area.”

The guide can be seen online at bit.ly/39xzqfx.