A new Scottish Government-backed approach for involving the community in planning and regeneration is set to launch in Johnstone at the end of the month.

The south west of Johnstone will be the focus of a week-long series of intensive events which aim to help the community shape the type of development in the area in the years ahead.

Renfrewshire Council submitted the successful Johnstone bid to the Scottish Government's Sustainable Communities Initiative by Renfrewshire Council.

The events include planning and design presentations and workshops, culminating in a public exhibition of the week's findings, ideas, plans and drawings.

Members of the public will work together with design consultants and planning specialists to create a vision and master-plan for development.

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The finalised proposals will enable the establishment of the character and type of development to occur in Corseford, Spateston, Cochrane Castle and Johnstone Castle over the next ten years.

Among the main issues to be considered are: new housing which links to existing and new local centres, housing on 'brownfield' sites, improving links between neighbourhoods, and identifying a timetable for funding and infrastructure requirements

Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, Councillor Iain Nicolson, commented on the innovative approach which will give people in the south west of Johnstone the opportunity to shape how their community develops over the next decade.

He said: "The whole point is that this is not a consultation on an existing plan. The design team are starting with a blank sheet of paper. This is a chance for residents, businesses and developers interested in the future of Johnstone South West to come along, voice their ideas and concerns, and shape that future."

A design team led by Glasgow-based architects and urban designers Austin-Smith: Lord will be joined by economic regeneration specialists Douglas Wheeler Ltd to lead the charrette.

The event kicks off on 1 - 5 November.

(JG/BMcC)