We revealed last week how the former St John’s Primary School is to be demolished to make way for 15 new flats.

And Barrhead Housing Association has announced that the plans are the third phase of their modern Rankin Way complex.

The flats are to be a mix of one to two bedroom homes, providing much needed roofs for families and individuals across Barrhead.

Association chairwoman Rena McGuire said: “This is the second stage of the housing assiciations Rankin Way development and it will comprise of one and two bedroom flats, affordable housing.” Residents took to the Barrhead News facebook page to lament the loss of the iconic school building, however there were also concerns that One person commented saying more houses were needed rather than flats.

Nichola Ann Jones said: “They need to build houses not flats since the council sold off most of their property and are only left with mostly flats that are too small for people.” However Barrhead Housing Association believes that with ongoing welfare reforms and younger families coming into the market there is a need for smaller homes.

East Renfrewshire Council put the final rubber stamp on the plans this month.

The former school has been used as offices for a variety of council bodies after it shut almost 30 years ago.

It was replaced by the newer St John’s Primary School building on Commercial Road in the Dunterlie area of Barrhead.

A planning application was submitted in July for the demolition of the historic building and the erection of the flats within the next year.

The flats will be built alongside the recent Rankin Way development and would mirror the style of the buildings.

An independent archeology society has confirmed that the construction works will not have any impact on historical areas of note nearby, however it was also revealed that there is potentially a 13th century village buried under the site.

It is not believed that the works will disturb the entrance to the Levern Walkway at the site or the former St John’s Cemetery, situated next to it.

The graveyard contains the mass grave of dozens of mine workers killed in 1851.