The shell of a once cherished Paisley pub could be bulldozed and replaced with a drive-thru restaurant if plans are given the green light.

A12 Properties has asked for permission to knock down the former Traveller’s Rest in Wallneuk Road and bring the derelict site back into use.

The pub was built in the late 1900s but has been sitting decaying since 2010.

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In a design and access statement, agents Framed Estates Ltd said developing the site into an eatery would create a more positive environment for surrounding businesses and spark further regeneration of the area.

“Wallneuk Road, just off Renfrew Road, is one of the primary routes between the M8 and Paisley town centre,” said Framed Estates Ltd.

“It provides access to the newly-opened Renfrew Road retail park as well as another restaurant's drive-thru.

“A derelict and decaying former public house occupies the existing site bound by the south by industrial land and the railway, and to the east by further undeveloped land.

“This strip of underutilised space creates a serious disconnect between Renfrew Road and the independent, smaller commercial units towards the end of Wallneuk Road.

“Development of our client’s site will unlock potential for the adjacent undeveloped land and will create a more welcoming environment for all the surrounding businesses.”

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Discussions took place between the applicants and Renfrewshire Council about converting the existing building into multiple retail and takeaway units, but planning chiefs advised this would be unlikely to get consent as it would “constitute over-development of retail in the surrounding area”.

Further suggestions were then made for the building to be turned into a petrol station or drive-thru but the location and shape of it proved to be unsuitable for either.

The statement added: “A decision was made to demolish the former public house and build a new structure suitable for a drive-thru, a sustainable option which complements the uses of surrounding buildings.”

If plans get the green light, the existing entrance and exit would be used and an extra one would be formed from the drive-thru.

There are 20 proposed car parking spaces, including two accessible ones and two for waiting.

The design and access statement indicates there will be outdoor seating developed.

The plans will now be deliberated over by council bosses, with a decision due early in the new year.