The application outlines plans for 346 new homes, helping to address the demand for high-quality and sustainable properties in the region. The site was originally allocated for residential development as part of the Barrhead South Strategic Development Opportunity in the adopted East Renfrewshire Local Development Plan.

If successful, the development will deliver a broad mix of housing types including terraced, semi-detached and detached homes, from two-bedroom starter homes to five-bedroomed properties. Plans also include provision for a neighbourhood retail facility which could serve the residents of the proposed development and current residents in the surrounding area.

It would also be well connected by public transport thanks to the recently announced Balgray train station, situated off Balgraystone Road, serving as an additional stop on the Neilston line.

A Proposal of Application Notice was submitted to East Renfrewshire Council on 31 July and Cala subsequently undertook a thorough community consultation exercise.

This included a first stage public consultation event on 30 August 2023 where 72 people attended to learn about the proposed development and encouragingly, from the feedback received, 69% of people were in support of the plans.

A second event held on 28 September 2023 attracted 58 attendees with representatives from the project team on hand to answer questions and encourage feedback on the proposals.

Gillian Hessett, land manager at Cala Homes (West), said: “Barrhead has benefitted from a range of successful regeneration initiatives in recent years so we are excited to present our proposals for the final part of the Strategic Development Area. The delivery of the Aurs Road Project and the new Balgray station, funded by City Deal, add to the attractiveness of the location in addition to the fantastic array of new homes, green space and landscaping.

“We have a longstanding commitment to creating sustainable developments that directly serve the needs of communities. If approved, the development will bring local benefit and we are confident that East Renfrewshire Council will share our vision.”

The application is expected to be determined in early 2024, and should Cala receive the green light, groundworks will commence later that year.