Plans to build 99 homes in Ferguslie have been rubber-stamped by councillors.

The decision will see 68 houses and 31 flats, with associate roads and parking, built at Millarston Drive.

The site is currently an area of grassland following the demolition of a previous residential development a number of years ago.

The new homes would be owned and managed by registered social landlord Link Housing Association.

READ MORE: Plans for new homes in Paisley given the go-ahead

The organisation’s application was approved at the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.

John McIntyre, chairman of Ferguslie Community Council, said: “We have been aware of these plans for some time now and were delighted to see them approved at the planning committee.

“As the land has lain vacant for some time now, following the demolition of the Millarston high flats and associate flats, it makes perfect sense to rebuild houses on the site.

“It also plays its part in Ferguslie Park’s continued regeneration by enhancing the vacant space around Ferguslie Park and attracting new people to the area.

“One thing we would expect to see as part of this development is that the railway bridge entrance from Millarston to Ferguslie Park Avenue be enhanced as it is a bit of an eyesore and has safety concerns from the community, who use it to access public transport.

“We’re also keen to see an increase in the use of the newly opened shopping facilities on Ferguslie Main Road.”

The proposals outlined a mixture of terraced and semi-detached homes, to the north, southwest and south of the site, and four storey flats to the east.

Renfrewshire Council officers recommended the application be accepted.

In a report they said: “In summary, it is considered that the proposal would offer a positive residential development for Paisley, resulting in a well designed housing site within an area allocated for residential purposes in the development plan.

“This site supports the objectives of Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy and is identified as an important site in meeting Renfrewshire’s 1000 affordable home target by 2021.

“Given the importance of providing new homes in the right location, this site has also been identified in Renfrewshire’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.”

Councillors agreed and gave their backing at the planning summit on Tuesday.