URGENT UPDATE: Renfrewshire councillors have just refused plans to demolish commercial units and replace them with a new office and storage facility in Paisley, a decision that could significantly impact local development.
The proposal, submitted by Allison Architecture on behalf of Lambert and Son Properties, aimed to transform a dilapidated site off Hawkhead Road into a modern structure. The existing single-storey commercial units, which have been vacant for years, were set to be replaced with a “well looked after” office and storage facility.
However, the council’s recent decision comes after receiving 52 objections from local residents concerned about the project’s potential impact on their neighborhood. While the council’s chief planning officer initially recommended approval, the majority of elected members voted against the application, citing compatibility issues with the surrounding residential area.
Councillor John McNaughtan, representing Paisley East and Central, led the charge against the project, expressing doubts despite acknowledging improvements from a previous application. He stated, “This particular site is now completely surrounded by housing. I think that the proposal would be an intensification of use and that’s what isn’t acceptable.”
The council’s official decision highlighted concerns over the development’s “intensification of use, height, proximity to boundaries, and window placement,” which could lead to an “unacceptable impact” on local residents’ amenity.
It is crucial to note that the site has been utilized as a builder’s yard for the past 18 years, but the council’s decision reflects a shift towards prioritizing residential harmony over commercial development.
As this story develops, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if further proposals are made for this contentious site. The implications of this decision may resonate throughout the community, potentially shaping future developments in the area.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation as the impact on local businesses and residents continues to unfold.
