Jack Thomson

An appeal by Chargemaster, trading as BP Pulse, against Renfrewshire Council’s rejection of a Paisley development featuring a McDonald’s drive-thru and electric vehicle charging hub is expected to be decided by the Scottish Government by October 1. The council rejected the plans over concerns about the loss of open space and trees, effects on the area’s character, and impacts on nearby residents. BP Pulse argues that the vacant brownfield site is not valuable recreational open space and that landscaping would limit amenity impacts. The council also says the proposal would compound the effects of a nearby EG on the Move development that was recently approved on appeal.

Renfrewshire Council has approved plans to convert a vacant former community building on Lyon Road in Foxbar, Paisley, into a café and hot-food takeaway. The business is expected to open daily from 11am to 10pm, offering items including filled rolls, paninis, kebabs, pizzas, drinks, cakes and pastries. The council concluded that the small-scale development would serve the local community without significantly affecting the viability of Paisley town centre or other nearby shopping centres.

Renfrewshire Council has submitted planning and listed-building applications to refurbish the B-listed Back Sneddon Centre in Paisley. Proposed works include upgraded lighting, flooring, signage, landscaping, entrance and reception alterations, repairs to rainwater systems and stonework, removal of security grilles, and new staff and service-user facilities. The building houses alcohol and drug recovery services operated by the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership as well as the council’s criminal justice services. Planning officers are expected to decide on the applications at a later date.

Renfrewshire Council rejected Luxury Leisure’s plans to replace the dilapidated traditional shopfront of its Admiral gaming centre on Moss Street in Paisley. The proposal sought a more contemporary frontage, improved internal access and a less steep entrance ramp, but the council said removing the recessed lobby, timber surrounds and stallrisers and installing an aluminium-framed shopfront would harm the character and appearance of the town-centre conservation area. A separate application for box and projecting signage was also refused.

The Johnstone Fire Engine Rally will return on Saturday, August 15, for the first time since 2019. Historic fire engines will parade from Johnstone Fire Station to Houstoun Square, where visitors can explore the vehicles, meet crews, watch fire-safety demonstrations and enjoy children's activities, local traders and live entertainment. Councillor Andy Doig welcomed the event's revival, which follows a successful council motion and consideration of a £150,000 budget investment, saying it should benefit families, residents and local businesses.

Ferguslie Park Housing Association warned Paisley tenants about callers falsely claiming to represent the association and seeking access to homes under the pretext of outstanding repair work. Tenants were advised to hang up, independently verify callers using the association’s official number, request identification and job reference numbers from contractors, and avoid pressure to arrange access. Councillor Kenny MacLaren urged residents to report incidents to Police Scotland or Report Fraud.

Scotia Handling Services has applied for planning permission to reorganise and improve its Bridge Street site in Linwood. The proposals include clearing vegetation to improve vehicle movement, removing one modular unit, relocating another for storage, and installing three converted shipping containers as accessible office space. Renfrewshire Council has notified neighbouring residents and will make a decision on the application at a later date.

Renfrewshire Council has approved plans for a building containing five industrial units on Wellington Street in Paisley, subject to conditions. The units will be suitable for general industry or storage and distribution, replacing plans for a larger vehicle-storage and servicing shed abandoned after the intended occupier went into receivership. The council concluded that the development fits the local development plan and would not adversely affect the surrounding area or neighbouring residents.

A Bridge of Weir resident, Alan Tyers, lost his appeal against Renfrewshire Council's refusal to issue a high hedge notice concerning two sycamore trees on Ally McCoist's property. Tyers argued that the trees blocked light, overhung his home and posed a risk of falling branches during storms. Scottish Government reporter Simon Bonsall dismissed the appeal after finding that the two mature trees, which stand more than six metres apart and are not managed as a hedge, did not meet the statutory definition of a high hedge. McCoist had supported the council's position, and the council's decision therefore remains in place.

Chargemaster, trading as BP Pulse, has appealed Renfrewshire Council’s refusal of plans for a commercial development on land north of St James Avenue in Paisley. The proposal included a McDonald’s drive-through, a 16-bay electric vehicle charging hub with 12 charging spaces, and landscaping, with claims that it could create up to 120 jobs. The council rejected the application over the loss of open space and trees and concerns about the area’s character and residential amenity. Gravis Planning argues that the vacant site is previously developed brownfield land with limited recreational or civic value and that the development would retain much of the open area. The Scottish Government has confirmed that the appeal will be allocated to a reporter, with a target date of October 1.

Renfrewshire Council has commissioned Stantec to study road safety and traffic conditions on Hawkhead Road, Seedhill Road and surrounding areas of Paisley following concerns about speeding, traffic volumes, rat-running and parking. The consultation, running until 16 August 2026, seeks views from residents, businesses and schools on traffic calming, pedestrian priority, active travel and safer school routes. Feedback will be assessed alongside technical data and site investigations, with preferred options due for further consultation later in 2026 and final recommendations expected in January.

Youths attempting to access the tracks at Milliken Park Station in Johnstone have prompted concern from residents and local councillors Andy Doig and John Hood. The councillors cited four fatalities at the station since 2011 and called on Network Rail to install additional safety barriers. British Transport Police warned that trespassing is illegal, trains can approach quietly and cannot stop quickly, while Network Rail said safety is its top priority and highlighted school workshops and cooperation with police and local communities. Witnesses are urged to report unsafe behaviour to British Transport Police.

Renfrewshire Council approved Tesla Motors' proposal for an eight-bay electric vehicle charging hub at Phoenix Retail Park in Paisley. The development includes a new substation and will use existing access and infrastructure. Planning documents highlight benefits for sustainable transport and alignment with local development policies, and the council’s assessment concludes the project will integrate well with the site and not significantly affect traffic, supporting its approval.

Renfrewshire Council plans to begin work later this year on a new public garden at the former Brown Institute site in Renfrew, incorporating preserved architectural features from the demolished B‑listed building. Hirst Landscape Architects secured planning approval, and a contractor tender is underway. The project aims to honour the site’s heritage while creating a community space with pathways, seating, planting and a ‘Time to Talk’ bench. Planning officials deemed the garden an appropriate use following the building’s controversial demolition, which had been approved retrospectively in 2024 after safety concerns.

Renfrewshire Council has ordered the owners of the fire-damaged former Royal Alexandra Infirmary in Paisley to complete security and safety measures by July 31, following a deliberately set blaze in June. Required actions include reinforced fencing, additional Sitex boarding, removal of accessible ladders, and recommended installation of CCTV or motion sensors. The council and Police Scotland may step in and charge the owners if the work is not completed. Local councillor Eddie Devine, citing long-standing concerns from residents, welcomed the intervention and urged the owners to secure the historic site and prevent further damage.

Paisley and Renfrew failed to make the shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, despite a joint application led by MP Alison Taylor highlighting shared cultural ties. Shortlisted towns included Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot. Taylor expressed disappointment but stressed ongoing cultural potential in the constituency. Renfrewshire Council did not submit its own bid, citing limited relevance, competing local priorities and tight deadlines. Fifteen towns were shortlisted nationwide across three categories from nearly 400 entries.

Groundworks and drainage for a new synthetic sports pitch at India Tyres Playing Fields in Inchinnan have been completed, marking major progress in the first phase of a wider regeneration project. The Inchinnan Development Trust outlined upcoming steps, including installation of the pitch surface, fencing, electrical work and safety inspections, with completion expected later this year. Plans extend beyond the pitch to include new pathways, biodiversity enhancements, community growing spaces, a play area, a replacement pavilion and improved facilities for sports and events.

Analysis shows Renfrewshire Council’s £52 annual garden waste permit is higher than many Scottish local authorities, with several councils charging between £42 and £50 and a few exceeding Renfrewshire’s price. Councillor Eddie Devine argues the fee is unnecessary and should be scrapped, while commercial waste firm Divert notes costs vary due to geography, service duration and operational expenses. Renfrewshire’s permit cost is set to rise to £57 by 2027–28 under a previously approved pricing strategy, with the council citing increasing operating costs and maintaining service reliability as reasons for the increases.

Masked riders on e-bikes and e-scooters have prompted safety concerns across Renfrewshire, leading local councillors to meet with Police Scotland to discuss a crackdown under Project Trail. Officers can seize illegally used vehicles, and police are considering drone technology to support enforcement. Residents are urged to report information, including CCTV or dash‑cam footage, as authorities address rising anti-social behaviour linked to these vehicles.

Renfrewshire Council approved Bray Controls’ plan to expand its Inchinnan headquarters, allowing construction of a warehouse extension, reconfigured service yard, additional parking and upgraded internal facilities. Growing demand for the company’s flow control products is driving the need for more space and staff, with employee numbers expected to rise from around 80 to 90. The extension will follow modern construction and environmental standards, with assurances that nearby residents will not face significant noise impacts. Council assessments found no adverse effects on the surrounding area, deeming the proposal consistent with the local development plan.

Renfrew Development Trust has submitted a community asset transfer request for the derelict Longcroft Cottages and the adjacent Miracle Span Store, offering £1 to take ownership and redevelop the site into a modern community hub. The proposal outlines plans for multipurpose rooms, workshop and craft spaces, small offices, and accessible facilities, including a public toilet for park visitors. The trust aims to create a collaborative space supporting groups such as the Renfrew Men’s Shed and local park associations while promoting community participation and skill‑building. Renfrewshire Council will decide on the application at a future CAT sub‑committee meeting.

Renfrewshire Council is considering planning applications to install artificial pitches, fencing and floodlighting at Linwood and St Benedict’s high schools, supported by £1.4 million allocated in the SNP administration’s budget. Councillor Robert Innes welcomed the upgrades, citing benefits for pupils, local sports groups and community wellbeing. Architectural plans and engineering assessments have been submitted, and decisions will be made by planning officers at a later date.

A fire at the disused Royal Alexandra Infirmary building in Paisley, believed to have been started deliberately, remains under investigation by Police Scotland. Emergency crews extinguished the blaze without injuries, but local councillor Eddie Devine has called for urgent security improvements to prevent further incidents. The site, already damaged by a previous fire and subject to redevelopment plans, continues to cause concern among nearby residents as enquiries continue.

Renfrewshire Council will begin demolishing the disused Houstoun Court food store, known locally as the Old Presto, on July 13 as part of a wider regeneration project in Johnstone. The contract, awarded to Caskie, runs until early October and is funded through Scottish Government investment and town centre regeneration money. Local councillor Chris Gilmour supports the demolition, saying it will pave the way for improved public spaces, new business units and a green link between Houstoun and Ludovic squares.

Calderglen Community SCIO has submitted a revised bid for a 75‑year community asset transfer lease of its long‑used football pitch at Lochwinnoch Public Park after withdrawing an earlier proposal that drew objections. The updated application follows community engagement efforts, including public meetings and facility viewings. The club cites longstanding ties to the site and prior investments in facilities as reasons for the transfer request. Renfrewshire Council has validated the application, with consultation open until early July, and a final decision will be made by the council’s CAT sub‑committee.

A charity has appealed Renfrewshire Council’s decision to reject its bid to lease and redevelop the former St Ninian’s Church Hall in Paisley. After both the initial community asset transfer decision and a subsequent review panel turned down the proposal, Ferguslie Community Development Trust filed an appeal with Scottish ministers, citing insufficient consideration of its application and procedural concerns. The trust plans to convert the hall into a multi‑use community venue, while council representatives questioned the certainty of projected business plan revenues. The Scottish Government has set a target date of September 9 for the appeal’s consideration.

The carer representative on the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board resigned after the board approved nearly £2.6 million in cost‑cutting measures affecting health visiting, day services, respite provision and specialist programmes. Critics argued the cuts increase pressures on carers and risk harm, while officials said alternatives were worse and necessary to avoid a financial recovery process. A second stand‑in representative also resigned, and the board has begun seeking replacements.

A fire at the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary in Paisley prompted renewed calls from Councillor Eddie Devine for strengthened security measures at the derelict site. Firefighters extinguished the blaze with no injuries reported, and police are treating the incident as wilful. Residents remain concerned as the long‑vacant, B‑listed building has previously suffered vandalism and was approved for redevelopment into flats in 2024, though progress remains uncertain.

An appeal against Renfrewshire Council’s refusal of plans for a petrol station, café, kiosk and EV charging facility on West March Road in Paisley will include a site inspection by a government reporter. The council rejected the proposal on the grounds of scale, impact on neighbouring properties and effects on local character, despite planning officers recommending approval with conditions. Ferguson Planning, on behalf of EG on the Move, argued that the development meets policy requirements, while the council’s response maintained it would harm local amenity and fail to integrate with its surroundings. Local representations supported the refusal. A decision is expected after the site visit, with a target date set for August 4.

Renfrewshire Council approved plans to add three new padel courts at Powerleague Paisley, expanding the existing four-court setup to meet rising local demand. The development, proposed by North Planning and Development, will repurpose part of an existing football pitch and include new lighting, enclosures and a canopy designed for year-round use. The council concluded the project aligns with planning policies and enhances sports provision without affecting nearby properties.

Renfrewshire Council approved Thorn Athletic Football Club’s first-phase redevelopment plans for its Greenend Avenue site in Johnstone, allowing installation of a new artificial pitch, fencing, spectator area, floodlights and parking. The long-term project includes ambitions for new pavilion facilities, a covered stand and five-a-side pitches. Supporting documents highlight improved year‑round usability and broader community health and engagement benefits. The council concluded the proposal aligns with development plans and enhances existing sports infrastructure.

A dispute between Ally McCoist and neighbour Alan Tyers over two tall sycamore trees has progressed to a site visit after Tyers appealed Renfrewshire Council’s refusal to issue a high hedge notice. Tyers argues the trees block light and pose safety risks due to storm damage, while McCoist supports the council’s decision and questions whether the trees qualify as a hedge under the High Hedges Act. A government reporter will inspect the properties on July 10, with a decision expected by July 28.

Renfrewshire Council’s parking permit scheme at Renfrewshire House, reintroduced in April with annual fees ranging from £350 to £450, will undergo an update after six months and a full review after 12 months following agreement among councillors. Eddie Devine, who had criticised the charges, accepted an amendment from council leader Iain Nicolson to allow time for comprehensive assessment. The scheme had previously been delayed over trade union concerns, with Unison securing some free parking provision. Short‑stay permits are available for staff who need brief, regular visits to the building.

Renfrewshire Council agreed unanimously to collaborate with partner organisations to expand public awareness of the locations of publicly accessible defibrillators. Councillor Robert Innes led the motion, highlighting progress already made and the importance of quick access during cardiac emergencies. The council will work to improve information access, identify gaps in device availability and strengthen community engagement around emergency equipment.

Renfrewshire Council unanimously adopted the Forces Children's Rights Charter, affirming support for the specific needs of children from military families. Provost Lorraine Cameron emphasised challenges such as frequent relocations and parental deployment and stressed the importance of recognising these experiences across local services. The council will promote the charter to schools and community partners and enable engagement between Forces Children Scotland and children’s services to strengthen support structures.

Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership approved cost‑cutting measures to address a £14 million budget gap, including reductions in health visiting, redesign of day services, respite review and closure of several support programmes. Carers and some councillors warned the changes would increase pressure on families and heighten isolation for vulnerable people. Officials argued the alternatives were more severe and that planned cuts were necessary to avoid entering financial recovery, which could lead to unpredictable and unsafe impacts on services. Debate highlighted concerns over long‑term sustainability, service protection and the burden placed on unpaid carers.

Child poverty in Renfrewshire has decreased to 12.7 percent, with 3,900 children living in relative low-income households, though rates remain high in specific areas such as Renfrew South and Gallowhill. Local councillors stressed that poverty persists as a crisis in some communities and emphasized the need for continued prioritization of mitigation efforts. Renfrewshire Council highlighted investments in support measures, including free school breakfasts, advice services that secured over £15 million in additional income for residents, and employability programs. Leaders acknowledged the longstanding nature of poverty challenges and reiterated a commitment to reducing child poverty within available resources.

Local officials reviewed progress on community development initiatives in Gallowhill, including lunch clubs, wellbeing groups and cleanup activities. Councillor Jim Paterson requested clarity on long‑term support to sustain current momentum and encourage formation of a tenants’ association or community council. Renfrewshire Council representatives said the work had been funded through Fairer Renfrewshire and informed plans to pilot locality workers and better coordinate services with community groups. Officials reported strong local engagement and an appetite for further involvement.

A fire at the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary in Paisley was brought under control with no injuries, and police are treating the incident as deliberate. The derelict, B‑listed site has long caused concern among nearby residents, and councillor Eddie Devine highlighted growing frustration and fear in the community. Emergency services responded quickly, and investigations into the cause continue. The building, previously damaged by fire in 2022, has approved redevelopment plans, though their future is uncertain.

Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership faces a recurring £14 million budget gap and warns that depleted reserves could force it into financial recovery, leading to reduced access to services and longer wait times. Eight previously deadlocked cost‑cutting proposals, including changes to day services, health visiting and respite provision, will be reconsidered, with updated impact assessments for Childsmile and older adults’ day services. Approval would save about £2.6 million but has raised anxiety among carers who oppose the measures. Officials stress urgent action is needed to stabilise the partnership’s finances and avoid more severe consequences.

Renfrewshire Council voted 7–5 to reject a request from Paisley District Loyal Orange Lodge for £2,100 in civic hospitality to mark its 150th anniversary. SNP council leader Iain Nicolson opposed the bid, citing unresolved concerns over the organisation’s historical conduct, while Conservative members argued the decision should be delayed to allow a response from the Lodge. Provost Lorraine Cameron abstained, noting the group had initially met criteria for consideration. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expressed disappointment, contending the decision overlooked the group’s long-standing community contributions and recent charitable efforts.

Renfrewshire councillors approved a contract to demolish the disused Houstoun Court building in Johnstone, with work scheduled from mid-July to early October as part of a wider regeneration project linking the town’s civic squares. Funding combines Scottish Government investment and council allocations. Councillor Chris Gilmour supported the demolition, citing the building’s deterioration and potential for revitalizing public space and local business opportunities.