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An application has been lodged to build 45 dwellings some of which are 3 and 4 storey blocks of flats on Manse Crescent/ Manse Field located in Houston. You can view this planning application on the Renfrewshire Council Website by clicking here and searching for application number 07/1084/PP by clicking on 'Start New Search'. Although it may be thought that the sale of the land was decided on party lines, under strict codes of conduct political group meetings should not be used to decide how councillors should vote on planning applications. There are also strict guidelines which the Council has to follow when disposing of its own property which is subject to a planning application. HALL are assured from what the Council's Chief Executive has said to them that the integrity of these guidelines will be strictly followed. Although two of the SNP Councillors on the Board have in the past given members of HALL written assurances that they regard the use of the land as open space as being sacrosant, if they take part they will have to decide the application on its merits. The guidelines referred to above require the Council to refer the application to Scottish Ministers if they decide to approve the application provided that there is a substantial body of objection or it is contrary to the development plan (Local Plan). It is unlikely that the Council will decide to approve an application which they believe is contrary to the development plan. The Scottish Ministers can call the application in (like they have with the Trump appliaction in Aberdeen) HALL have set out a detailed objection in six letters of representation (go to Representations) and we set out the Chronology of key events now. Despite the application not being finalised it is important for you to register your objection. You do not have tto live in Houston to do so. Go to "Contacts" and object NOW to this development for the following reasons: - Loss of a green space/a local amenity
- Pressure on school catchment areas
- Loss of local village character
- Nature reserves lost
- No need for more houses in this area
- Contrary to the Local Plan
- Gryffe Valley Sewer system awaits upgrade to stop recurrent sewage overspills
| Chronology | February 2005 – Renfrewshire Council advertised the Land for sale. The selling particulars (referred to as the Development Brief) described the southern part of the site as being suitable for 20 – 30 residential units to 1 or 2 bedroom units designed primarily to meet the needs of the retired, the elderly or those with special needs. | May 2005 – Councillors approved the sale in principle on the understanding that the southern part of the site would be developed for for 20 – 30 residential units to 1 or 2 bedroom units designed primarily to meet the needs of the retired, the elderly or those with special needs. They matter was urgent because receipts were said to be needed to meet the Council’s budget for the year ending March 2006. | September 2005 – Council certify to Scottish Ministers that the southern part of the site is to be restricted to houses with not more than 2 bedrooms specifically styled to meet the needs of the retired or elderly. | September 2005 – Scottish Ministers refuse to register HALL’s interest in the Land and HALL give notice of Appeal. | September 2005 – Councillors agree to sell the land to Darwen Developments Limited. | September 2005 to September 2006 – No progress by the Council on the sale. | March 2006 – New Local Plan adopted by the Council. No requirement for private houses in Houston is identified as being planned under the development plan. The Plan also says that the Council want to achieve the development plan strategy by recognising new opportunities for housing at Renfrew North and Bishopton ROF. It confirms the strong feeling that Houston is largely built out to its planned extent and they should not be viewed as locations for continuing expansion in the immediate future. | September 2006 – HALL withdraw Appeal. | May 2007 – New administration of SNP/Lib Dem control elected. | June 2007 – First meeting of Planning & economic Development Policy Board as Agenda Item 1 approve disposal of the site to meet Capital Plan requirements up to 2010. | | Voting For: 8 Councillors | Councillor Dillon, Councillor McGurk Councillor Lawson, Councillor MacLaren,Councillor McFee, Councillor McGee, Councilor McQuade,Councillor Nicolson. | Lib Dem SNP |
| | Voting Against: 6 Councillors | Councillor Clews Councillor Green,Councillor Hal, Councillor Hood, Councillor MacMillan, Councilor McMillan | Conservative Labour |
| September 2007 – Council enter into a contract with Darwen Developments (Scotland) Limited which is conditional on obtaining planning consent. | October 2007 – Mactaggart & Mickel Limited submit planning application certifying themselves as owners. The application for the southern part of the site is for 41 family homes of up to 5 bedrooms and 4 storeys. | December 2007 – Council write to Mactaggart & Mickel Limited comparing application with the Development Brief. | January 2008 – Mactaggart & Mickel submit revised plan showing 36 family homes on southern part of the land. | January 2008 – Council confirm that Development Brief is regarded as principal guidance and asking Mactaggart & Mickel to consider revising their application. Also require Mactagart & Mickel to correct ownership certificate. | February 2008 – No further progress on the applaication as far as HALL knows. Councillor Nicolson as Convenor of the Planning Board writes to Douglas Kirkwood, Chairman of the Houston Community Council saying that he may convene a Public Hearing prior to the report to his Board. Only those who have submitted awritten objection would be invited. | February 2008 – A Stephen Bradley, a director of Darwen Developments (Scotland) Limited, informs Gryffe Action Group “we would suggest that, as we are merely purchasing a site offered for sale by the council, you address your concerns in that direction through the appropriate planning process.”. He signs off “Darwen Developments”. |
Ancient Ash Tree 
A view of the land looking south. 
Damage caused by Mactaggart and Mikel (Renfrewshire Council's Property Services people thing that this is as good as can be expected) Look out Houston this is what the Council expect! 
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