Appeal submitted for Paisley affordable development
18th July 2024
Springfield has submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government after plans for 45 affordable homes within a dementia-friendly living complex were refused by Renfrewshire Council, earlier this year.
The proposals, just off Station Road, include a range of one bedroom apartments, lifts, EV charging for residents and visitors as well as mobility scooter parking. Powered by a communal air source heat pump, the apartments were designed to be highly energy efficient to run, with communal and private outdoor space.
The open plan layouts are wheelchair accessible, with ample natural light and wet rooms, which can be adapted with hoists directly to the bedroom to suit the changing needs of a resident.
The Council had concerns over the scale and design of the apartment block and Springfield engaged with the Council altering the designs accordingly to satisfy any apprehensions whilst highlighting a number of other applications of a similar scale that have been approved and delivered. Despite this, the application was refused in March.
Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, Tom Leggeat, said:
“In the midst of a national housing crisis, it is more important than ever before that Councils and developers work together to ensure there is good quality, energy efficient housing available for people that need it. Our application for 45 affordable apartments within a specialist dementia friendly living complex would create accessible living to people who need it the most.
“With this in mind, we are still surprised that the plans were refused, especially considering we worked closely with Renfrewshire Council during the 18 months the application was in the planning system and our alterations had been positively received.
“We have submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government and look forward to the reporters’ comments in the coming months.”