Newton Mearns is set for 106 new detached houses as part of the Maidenhill project.

That’s after housebuilder Taylor Wimpey was successful in changing the original planning permission for the site.

Consent had been given for dozens of flats, detached, semi-detached and terraced houses to CALA Homes last year.

But after taking over three plots within the site from CALA, Taylor Wimpey will now erect three, four and five bedroom standalone houses instead.

It comes despite the company being accused of working the system to avoid talks with the community.

East Renfrewshire’s Conservative group leader, Stewart Miller said: “There were three applications, all below 50 properties. Are they scared of something?

“It seems to me that the applicant is trying to circumvent talking to the community.”

Consultation events did take place before plans for the full 11.5-hectare site were agreed last year.

But Taylor Wimpey chose not to consult further on the changes, with the company claiming that local engagement was not necessary.

If a residential planning application includes 50 or more units, it is classed as a major development and the developer has to submit a development notice.

They then have to carry out a statutory consultation with the community for a minimum of 12 weeks.

The council’s principal planner Sean McDaid said: “Although this is three applications we could have had 106 individual applications in theory – one for each unit.

“The choice lies with the applicant as to how they apply. There is nothing in the legislation that allows us to confine them.”

Part of the site will run adjacent to Ayr Road, with CALA Homes having initially planned 26 detached houses, six terrace houses and 12 flats on that area. But Taylor Wimpey are hoping to create 48 new detached homes there.

In a second part of the site, next to Highover and Marlin Lodge, permission had also been granted for 27 detached houses, 12 semi-detached homes, 4 terraced units and 12 flats. Taylor Wimpey is seeking to build 49 detached houses on that area.

And at the third area, CALA had been given consent for eight houses, with Taylor Wimpey now applying to change that to nine.

Concerns had been raised by Broom Kirkhill Mearnskirk Community Council – something that was also brought up by Councillor Jim Swift at the planning meeting.

Despite that, planning chiefs chose to accept the changes to the planning permission.

Stephen Andrew, technical director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to confirm that detailed planning consent has been granted for our first parcel of land off Ayr Road at Maidenhill, Newton Mearns.

“As well as an impressive range of new homes, our development will provide a range of economic benefits for the local Maidenhill and Newton Mearns area, which includes supporting over 160 jobs per year of construction, as well as the attraction of new customers to local businesses.

“We’re looking forward to work starting on our range of new homes and becoming even more involved in the local community as Maidenhill progresses.

“We anticipate that we will open our sales office later this year for buyers to reserve off-plan, and we will keep the local community informed of our progress.”