East Renfrewshire Council has published its Proposed Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) for public consultation, setting out a land-use strategy to guide growth across the area from 2027 to 2037.

Following agreement by the council to move to the next stage, a formal 12-week consultation will begin on 29 September, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to help shape the final plan.

The draft LDP3 identifies where new homes, employment opportunities and recreational spaces could go, while prioritising essential infrastructure, open spaces and amenities. It also places strong emphasis on protecting nature, boosting biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions.

In line with Scottish Government requirements, the plan must allocate sites for at least 3,100 new homes over the 10-year period. The proposed sites have been selected to deliver the right mix, including smaller properties for first-time buyers and downsizers, alongside affordable housing. The plan also earmarks land for new jobs and supports town centre improvements and regeneration.

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Four proposed growth areas — Barrhead, Busby, Clarkston and Eaglesham — have been identified as the main focus for housing and infrastructure expansion, with additional developments outlined for Newton Mearns, Neilston and Uplawmoor.

Phasing will be used to match development with available capacity and new provision, ensuring education, healthcare, green infrastructure, active travel links and local amenities are delivered alongside new homes and jobs.

To increase the supply of affordable homes, the council proposes raising the affordable housing requirement within developments from 25% to 30%, in response to the area's housing emergency.

Council Leader Owen O'Donnell said: 'This is a major milestone in delivering on our legal obligations to the Scottish Government to adopt a new LDP3 to guide future development across East Renfrewshire over the next 10 years. The proposed plan builds on more than two years of evidence gathering, technical assessment, engagement and collaboration. And now we want to hear feedback from residents to help shape the final proposals to be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval. It's important all parts of the community are represented and have their say. We want to know what residents like about the proposals, as well as any concerns or alternatives that people want to put forward for consideration. LDP3 seeks to provide a wider choice of homes to meet changing needs, including affordable homes, family homes, homes for smaller households, and accessible and adaptable homes. This will help provide more choice for people at different stages of life, including those wishing to downsize while remaining within their community. At the heart of the plan is an infrastructure-first approach, as it's vital we create communities which are sustainable and provide the amenities people need to thrive, flourish and live well - the foundations of our A Place to Grow vision.'

The Proposed LDP3 can be viewed on the council's website (PDF, 17 MB). Further engagement materials will be available when consultation opens on 29 September, with more information on how to take part to be published soon.