OUTLINE planning permission has been approved for up to 145 new homes on the eastern edge of Helensburgh – on a site partly owned by a local councillor.

Cala Homes was given planning permission in principle for the development at the Sawmill Field site next to Hermitage Academy by Argyll and Bute Council's planning, protective services and licensing committee.

But Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail – who jointly owns the site with his three brothers, and is a member of the committee – says he has taken no part in consideration of the issue, and will continue to declare an interest before any future discussions.

The 15-acre site could potentially be worth up to £3 million, based on a market price for land for housing development of approximately £200,000.

Councillor Trail told the Advertiser: “I declared a financial interest before the committee discussed the application, as I'm obliged to do.

“I was aware of the conflict of interest when I was elected to the council in 2012. I've been scrupulous in declaring my interest whenever the field has come up for discussion, and will continue to do so.”

The site has been owned by the Trail family since Cllr Trail's father, a local building contractor, purchased it with a view to development 70 years ago.

“There was plenty of other work around then,” Cllr Trail continued, “and it was rented to a farmer, but the intention was always to develop it at some point.

“When the council was considering its new local development plan four or five years ago, we approached them and offered the land as a potential site for housing, and we agreed it would be suitable.”

The terms of the sale of the land are likely to be finalised only when detailed planning permission is granted and the title transferred to the developer.

The decision to grant planning permission in principle for the site was made by the planning committee on August 17.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We wholeheartedly support this development and were delighted to grant planning permission in principle.

“In principle permission is as it sounds, agreeing the principle of the development. Future applications will come forward with the detail of the layout, design, landscaping and so on.

“This site can now be developed in a sensible and sustainable way, benefiting both developers and the wider community. The development of this site will help the council meet some of its main corporate objectives – delivering affordable housing and a range of housing choices.

“Although the number of houses is yet to be determined, it is expected that there will be between 100 and 120, a quarter of which will be affordable houses which will assist in growing our population.

“The council’s planning service is focused on making things happen, supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration. This is another demonstration of our 'open for business' approach, working with developers to ensure a best fit for all.

“Our main aim is sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and attracting people to the area and projects like this are very welcome.”