Up to 150 new homes are to be built in Paisley.

Final plans to transform the West End of the town, designed by the council and housing association partner Sanctuary Scotland, are to be considered by Councillors on Tuesday, 12 December.

The finalised 'masterplan' follows public consultation with residents in the summer, which signalled strong support for the proposals. In addition, more than 80% of respondents backed moves to address the high levels of vacant properties and strengthen the close connections with the Town Centre.

Up to £12 million has been earmarked for the project. If approved, Sanctuary Scotland would start work next year on a phased development which involves demolition of existing low demand tenement flats and commercial ground floor premises on the east side of Well Street, Clavering Street East and Underwood Lane.

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Vacant land formerly used as the University of the West of Scotland Halls of Residence would be cleared and community growing areas on Sutherland Street would be relocated to accommodate the new development.

The council tenants affected by the scheme would be offered suitable alternative accommodation, with a range of options available including new housing for social rent being developed by Sanctuary Scotland at the former Co-Op site on nearby Wellmeadow Street. The remaining properties wold be purchased by Sanctuary Scotland, with owners offered options including exchanging their property or becoming a Council or Sanctuary tenant.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: "The west end of Paisley has a proud heritage and today is still home to a close-knit community who value its central location and transport links.

"Public consultation has highlighted a collective desire to draw on these positives and tackle the challenges, making the west end a more attractive place to live and work. We will now consider the proposals further and work towards creating a new neighbourhood which is desirable and distinctive, attractive and safe."

(LM/MH)