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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jack Thomson

Decision on student halls plan near Paisley Museum delayed for site visit

A decision on plans for student accommodation a stone's throw from Paisley Museum has been delayed for a site visit.

Concerns were raised about the "overbearing" nature of the design of the halls, which have been proposed for a location in High Street.

T100 has requested planning permission and conservation area consent to knock down Leisure Land and build a six or seven-storey facility including 150 studios.

The development would also include a social space, reception area, gym, bike storage and an off-street bin store.

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The site is on the corner of High Street and Storie Street and adjacent to the University of West of Scotland (USW) Students' Union, as well as the campus being located to the south.

However, it is the proximity to Paisley Museum which sparked caution among elected members at Tuesday's Planning and Climate Change Policy Board.

Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP rep for Paisley East and Central, said he "welcomed" the principle of development at this spot but warned care should be taken before making a decision.

He said: "It is such an important site in its location, especially near the new museum and High Street, that I would move that we continue for a site visit.

"I think members of this board need to stand in those locations and see the impact that this might have before we take a reasoned decision on it."

Councillor Jennifer Adam, an SNP rep for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said concerns had been raised with her about the "visual impact and negative effect" the building could have on the conservation area.

A drawing showing where the development would be in Paisley town centre (Renfrewshire Council)

She added: "The surrounding properties are mainly comprised of early to late Victorian buildings.

"The architectural character and proportion of these buildings are coherent in terms of the architectural proportions, material, massing and the building lines.

"When looking at the kind of blocky designs being proposed for the development, it's not really in keeping with the character of the area, so I would absolutely agree with Councillor McNaughtan with regards to the site visit.

"The design, I think, looks a bit overbearing."

Convener Jim Paterson, said he "couldn't agree more" that it was important for members to know the precise nature of what they are considering in this case.

With that in mind, he accepted the request for a site visit.

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