A council's decision to refuse permission for new homes at a former university campus has been over-ruled by the Scottish Government despite concerns the development is "not appropriate" for the area.

Miller Homer has been given permission to build 179 homes on disused student accommodation blocks and playing pitches at UWS's Thornly Park Campus in Paisley.

Renfrewshire Council, which is SNP-run, rejected the proposal saying it did not offer sufficient provision of affordable housing or provide appropriate safe routes to school.

However a reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers accepted Miller's assertion that the area is short of larger properties and that its proposal to build smaller three bedroom terraced homes and larger four and five bedroom detached properties, would help to address this.

The firm said data show 70% of properties in the area were in bands A-C, which covers the lower cost end of the housing market. 

The reporter, David Buylla, said the council offered no explanation for its concerns over the proposed housing mix, simply confirming that all new build housing "should reflect local need and demand".

Miller is to offer 12 units (6.7% of the total) as low-cost market housing with a 20% discount below market value.

Mr Buylla said it was "debatable" whether a 20% reduction below market value would not make these homes affordable.

However, he said the contribution was "reasonable" given there are other plans for almost 900 affordable homes in the area.

He was, however critical that the development did not consider a need for housing suitable for older or less mobile residents.

The local plan also stipulates that least 10% of new build stock should also be wheelchair accessible.

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said the local authority stood by its decision to refuse the application.

He said: "It remains the view of the council that the number and type of affordable homes being offered in this development is not appropriate for the area.”

Neil Bibby, Labour MSP for West Scotland Region, added: “I know local residents will be concerned that the Scottish Government have overturned the decision taken by Renfrewshire Council.

"There are serious questions that still need to be answered about the environmental impact this will have as well as the capacity impact on local schools, particularly at St Andrew’s Academy.”

A campaign group - Save Paisley's Greenspace - objected to the development, however the reporter said the development was not within the 'green belt'.

A controversial 600-house development at Dykebar Hospital in Paisley has also been given the ahead after builders won their appeal against a council decision to refuse it.

Bellway Homes, Cala Homes and Barratt Homes have won permission to build their proposed Thornly Park Village on 95 acres of surplus land within the grounds of the site off Grahamston Road.

It will see a range of homes from one-bedroom flats to five-bed detached houses built around a central meadow where the wetland is currently situated.

A spokeswoman for  Save Paisley's Greenspace said its members were “naturally disappointed that again commercial considerations have trumped the environmental protections of our green spaces”.