Plans to bulldoze an “eyesore” building near Paisley Museum and replace it with student accommodation have been given the green light.
Planning permission and conservation consent have been granted to T100, subject to conditions, which has paved the way for Leisureland to be knocked down and replaced by a six to seven-storey facility including 150 studios.
The application was first dealt with at August’s planning board where concerns had been raised that the design of the halls was “overbearing” and a site visit was ordered.
When it returned to Tuesday’s meeting, SNP councillor John McNaughtan suggested that the request was refused.
The Paisley East and Central rep said: “I visit this site regularly, almost on a daily basis, and have given it some careful consideration. I’m inclined to move for refusal on this application.
“I have no problem with the proposal in principle. I think it’s a good reuse for a not very attractive site.
“My concern is about the impact on the conservation area, in particular because of the scale of the proposal.
“I think the building is just too big.”
However, his party colleague Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, who represents Paisley Southeast and is the board’s vice-convener, adopted a difference stance on the issue – arguing that the current building doesn’t “enhance” the conservation area.
He said: “People from Paisley will have fond memories of Leisureland when it used to be for pool and snooker. It’s not the way it was.
“With the application before us, while I accept that we’ve got to enhance conservation areas, it cannot be ignored that the current building, especially at the back, is nothing more than an eyesore.
“It doesn’t enhance the current conservation area as is.”
He moved for the application to be approved, saying: “I get the point that it might be too tall but we’ve got to deal with the application in front of us – not the application we wish we had in front of us.”
The site is on the corner of High Street and Storie Street and adjacent to the University of the West of Scotland (USW) students’ union, as well as the campus being located to the south.
It is also a matter of minutes from the museum. It remains unclear whether Leisureland plans to relocate or pull down the shutters.
The application was granted after 10 councillors voted in favour with just four voting against the proposals.
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