The future of plans for around 28 new social rented homes on vacant council-owned land at Gibson Crescent and North Road in Johnstone remains uncertain.
The proposed development is included in Renfrewshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan, with Williamsburgh Housing Association looking at taking the site forward.
However, the housing association is currently reviewing its wider development programme and no timescale has been confirmed for the Johnstone project.
The future of the site was raised at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board on Tuesday 18th August.
Councillor Iain McMillan said: “I will just further down the report. It mentions Gibson Crescent and North Road. That seems to have been bubbling under for quite a while, and there is no great information coming through.
“I would like to know what is actually happening in the background. Some people around this table might remember that there were houses there before. Some convener in the past decided to demolish them.
“That land has laid vacant for quite a while. It is a prime spot for housing, to be honest with you.
“I would just like to know what is happening. As I say, it has been bubbling under for quite a considerable time.”
Council officer Kevin Banks said discussions with Williamsburgh Housing Association were continuing.
He said: “Unfortunately, I will probably not be able to give you the answer that you would be looking for, councillor.
“We are in regular discussion with Williamsborough Housing Association, which is the RSL that is looking to take the site forward. Unfortunately, at the minute, Williamsborough Housing Association is reviewing the full development programme to see where it is and what the priorities will be. It is still undertaking that review.”
He added: “The provision is within the ship, but it is still uncertain about the timescales and when it is likely to be delivered. We will keep having that engagement with Williamsborough. If Williamsborough cannot take the site forward, we will look at other options in terms of delivery, because it would still be a council-owned site.”
The council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026–2031 lists Gibson Crescent and North Road as a shadow project for around 28 social rented homes, with property sizes still to be confirmed.
The current approved plan shows £2.681 million in grant funding for the 28 homes. Funding is programmed mainly for the later years of the plan.