Persimmon Homes West Scotland has begun work on a £13 million housing scheme at a former school site in Johnstone.

The housebuilder will deliver 144 new homes, including a mixture of two, three, four and five bedroom properties, at the former St Cuthbert’s High School site off Hallhill Road.

The new development will deliver a combination of terraced, semi and detached properties and is expected to support 350 jobs.

The 9.5 acre site was given the green light when planning approval was granted by Renfrewshire Council in November 2015.

Doug Law, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “We are excited to be starting work at Scholars Green and expect the first homes to become available to buy in March.

“The development will feature an attractive area of central open space and residents will be able to enjoy its rural settings with views over the adjacent countryside.”