A MOVE is being made to build a retirement village in Newton Mearns.

Plans for the development, at the Netherplace Works, are to be presented to East Renfrew-shire Council.

A pre-determination hearing will showcase proposals for 197 flats and 62 cottages.

As part of the plans there will also be an 80-bed care home, community facilities and a dedicated Village Hub.

Ahead of the meeting, a planning statement from Andrew Binnie Planning Ltd, said: “Full planning permission is sought for the erection of a retirement care village.

“The proposed development will involve the demolition of all of the existing buildings and structures on the site, which will thereafter allow for the proposed development to come forward.

“The design of the proposed development has been informed as a result of a range of iterative discussion with Alzheimer Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland.”

Flat sizes within the development, being proposed by Newton Mearns Projects Ltd, will range from one to two bedrooms, with each cottage also having two bedrooms. There will also be about 60 parking spaces.

Councillors will discuss the plans tomorrow but, as it is a pre-determination hearing, no decision will be made.

However, Crookfur, Greenfarm and Mearns Village Community Council has already objected to the plans over what it describes as insufficient parking, a lack of demand and noise issues.

Chairman Jim Kerrigan said: “There should be a minimum of one space per apartment plus additional space for visitors.

“The proposal mentions there is substantial demand for such housing. The fact some of the current homes in Capelrig Road and Stewarton Road are unsold would seem to argue against this.

“The community council would prefer to see this site retained for commercial use.”

But a report by director of environment Andrew Cahill said: “The decision on this application is not considered to set a precedent for mainstream housing at the site or within the greenbelt in general.

“Such applications will have to be justified against relevant development plan policies.

“When considering all of the matters relevant and balancing the proposal against the development plan and material considerations, it is considered this development is acceptable at this location.”