New homes plan is axed

Plans to build new homes on the grounds of a historic house ravaged by fire are in doubt after proposals were pulled.

Bellside Developments has axed its application to clear rubble to make way for 18 flats in Hunterhill Road.

The plot was gutted after flames tore through buildings once owned by mill owners from the Coats family.

Fraser Carlin, Renfrewshire Council’s head of housing and development, confirmed the decision to ditch the proposals in a letter to the housebuilder.

He said: “I acknowledge receipt of your email withdrawing the planning application.

“There is no provision for the refund of fees paid since your application had been formally registered.”

The company had unveiled plans for two three-storey blocks, with nine flats in each.

They would have contained a lounge, dining and kitchen space, bathroom and two bedrooms, one with an ensuite.

The company insisted the buildings would have a “distinctive character” and boast a “modern and freshlooking” finish and 20-space car park.

The apartments would have been built on the grounds of a grand house linked to Paisley’s threadmaking past.

Neighbours watched in horror as the derelict home went up in flames in May.

The blaze ripped through the two-storey mansion at 2am.

Neighbours told how smoke was seen billowing from the property as crews worked to make it safe.

The damage wrecked the main house, with the roof collapsing in the heat.

Fire chiefs were told a gang of youngsters had been seen hanging around the area.

A mountain of blonde s a n d s t o n e f rom the demolished house was saved.

West Coast Reclamation in nearby Underwood Road is selling 20 tonnes of materials left behind.

Bellside Developments have not revealed publicly why the proposals have been pulled.

It has the option to resubmit the original or altered proposals to planners in future.