Following the completion of the local authority’s largest ever new build development in Barrhead’s Balgraystone Road last year, discussions are underway with developers for 105 affordable homes in Maidenhill, including a number of wheelchair-accessible units. It’s hoped work on these will begin by the end of the year.

In addition to this, plans will soon be submitted for a block of 17 flats at Barrhead Road, Newton Mearns, which will include three individually accessed wheelchair-accessible homes, and up to 65 homes on Commercial Road. It is planned that, alongside site developers CCG Scotland, new heating technologies will be explored, to ensure the houses are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

In recent weeks, the final Taylor Wimpey units in Maidenhill have been handed over to new tenants. In total, the partnership with the developer provided 82 homes, ranging from cottage flats, terraces, semi-detached and detached homes. By May, a further 14 homes will be completed through Robertson Homes in the Malletsheugh area of Newton Mearns.

East Renfrewshire Council’s housing and environment convener, Councillor Danny Devlin, said: “I’m delighted that our ambitious new build programme, which began back in 2018, is continuing at pace into 2023 and beyond. East Renfrewshire remains an extremely popular place to live and these plans highlight our commitment to providing affordable housing options to our residents. These new homes are high quality and energy efficient, something that is extremely important as energy costs remain high. I wish our new tenants well in their new homes and look forward to seeing these plans progress in the year ahead.”

Since the first new build council development got underway in January 2018, East Renfrewshire Council has successfully completed 178 properties, comprising a range of house types across the whole of the region to meet housing need and demand.