Est Renfrewshire Council has started its public consultation into proposed changes to the area's Local Development Plan (LDP).

The consultation opened on 9 October and will run for six weeks.

The local authority is now encouraging people in East Renfrewshire to have their say on the proposed changes to the plans. The suggested proposals will establish the development and protection of the area for the next few years.

Earlier this year, the plans went our to public consultation, and outlined the council's preferred sites for development. Following recommendations received during the consultation, the Council is now consulting further on proposed modifications to the LDP.

It had identified two potential sites for a denominational and a non-denominational primary school within the M77 Strategic Development Opportunity at Malletsheugh/Maidenhill, Newton Mearns, while provision was also made within this area for a religious/community facility.

However, alternative sites were then suggested through the consultation for one of the schools and the religious/community facility which form the basis for two of the modifications.

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Now, the alternative site for the denominational school is Waterfoot Road, Newton Mearns, opposite Mearns Castle High School, and the religious/community facility suggested is a site next to the new Eastwood High School.

A third minor modification is also proposed to clarify the current planning position at Barrhead High School.

Convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "I would urge everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.

"Everyone is invited to give us their comments and we want to hear as many views as possible.

"A new denominational primary school in Newton Mearns is a real priority for the council as there is pressure on St Cadoc's due to housing development which is already under way.

"This school is required to address current needs and is not as a result of the housing development proposed in the LDP.

"This proposed site at Waterfoot Road is available to us now and, unlike the previous proposed site, already has infrastructure such as roads and lighting.

"It is also next to Mearns Castle High which will allow shared use of floodlit sports facilities.

"An alternative site for the religious/community building was put forward by our Muslim community, and again, the need to find a suitable place of worship for this community is a priority for us.

"This proposed site, adjacent to the new Eastwood High, is already in community use with both the school and sports centre open to the public in the evening and at weekends.

"The community has asked us to consider this site so it is appropriate for us to consult with the wider community. It's important that we are inclusive and seek everyone's views."

The consultation will focus only on the modifications and not the wider plan.

All comments must be made to the council by 20 November.

(JP/CD)