Plans to transform Paisley’s West End into an attractive neighbourhood with 150 new homes and strengthened links to the town centre have been given the green light.

Councillors on Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board yesterday approved the final West End regeneration masterplan which sets out the steps to develop the new private and social homes.

The masterplan has been developed by the council and its housing association partner Sanctuary Scotland.

More than 80% of residents in the area have backed the moves to address the high levels of vacant properties in an area once home to thousands of mill workers supporting the town’s weaving industry.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “We are committed to regenerating Renfrewshire and investing in providing high quality affordable homes which our communities deserve. I am pleased that these plans for the west end of Paisley have been welcomed by the people living there and have received cross-party approval.

“It is an area steeped in history and heritage and these proposals will celebrate this by strengthening the links to Oakshaw Conservation area and Paisley town centre. Working closely with our colleagues at Sanctuary Scotland and through on-going dialogue with residents and businesses in the area, I look forward to seeing the development of a new neighbourhood which is desirable and distinctive, attractive and safe.”

Sanctuary Scotland will now develop plans for a phased delivery of the masterplan which involves clearance of vacant land and 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.

All council tenants will be offered suitable alternative accommodation and Sanctuary Scotland will provide private resident owners with a range of options. While businesses in the masterplan area will be supported to relocate, the plans include the potential for limited new retail provision.

The west end is undergoing a complete transformation as Sanctuary Scotland is also developing new housing for social rent at the former Co-Op site on nearby Wellmeadow Street.

Gillian Lavety, head of development for Sanctuary Scotland, said: “We are very excited to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this project and are looking forward to getting started now that the masterplan has been approved.

“The development will create much-needed affordable housing for local people in Paisley and also provide a boost to the town by creating a number of local jobs and training opportunities on site.”