Retirement flats plan resurfaces

The Later Living development was submitted by McCarthy & Stone in November 2012, proposed for a site at Stewarton and Crookfur roads. However, the application was withdrawn following public concerns over the effect on traffic.

Steve Wiseman, managing director of McCarthy & Stone Scotland, said: “We’ve listened to concerns, redrawn plans, and now we are back to see what people think of the new proposal.”

If approved, the site will include 70 flats for over 60s, and new plans include a different entrance, at Stewarton Road, and the complex will be made up of two blocks, rather than one.

Commenting on Facebook, Chris McLaughlin said: “The last thing we need is granny flats — how about affordable houses for families?”

Stephen Frew objected: “We keep eating into greenfield land — there is nothing sustainable about that.”

And Linda Ireland added: “How about building more council houses? There are not enough for the demand.”

East Renfrewshire council leader Jim Fletcher declined to comment on the upcoming application, but responded: “We are aware of the need for affordable homes and are keen to build them — hence the local plan as it allows control of developments in the area.

“We are also aware of the need for council houses, and if the money was available we would build them — but we need government help to do that.”

An exhibition on the Greenlaw plan will be held Oct 3, 1-7pm in Parklands country club. Anyone unable to attend can access further info on 0800 088 4322.