THE prospect of three hundred new homes being built on part of Helensburgh Golf Club's course has moved a step closer after club members voted in favour of the development.

Around 220 members attended a special general meeting in the town last week to vote on the proposal – and the vast majority of those present gave their backing to the scheme.

The club will now enter negotiations with their chosen partner, Taylor Wimpey, for the sale of a 30-acre site on the course for the development.

The land was zoned for up to 300 houses in Argyll and Bute Council's 2015 local development plan.

Frank Riding, who chairs the club's committee of management, told the Advertiser that discussions with Taylor Wimpey could be completed in the next two months – but that building work on the homes would not begin until the completion of new holes on the golf course and a new clubhouse.

“Members voted overwhelmingly for the development to proceed,” Mr Riding said.

“That has given us the go-ahead to begin discussions with Taylor Wimpey, who will now have to go to the council for planning permission.

“An open weekend last Saturday and Sunday was held for members only, and Taylor Wimpey were present as the preferred developer and showed members a display of possible properties.”

Mr Riding said work on the housing development was unlikely to begin before 2019 at the earliest.

“Taylor Wimpey will progress things once we sign up with them,” he continued, “but it's not all going to happen next week!

“No houses will be built for a number of years. We've guaranteed that members will always have 18 holes to play golf on and will always have a clubhouse, so Taylor Wimpey will have to build the new holes before they build any new houses.

“That's not likely to start before 2019 or longer by the time planning permission is granted.”

Ian Drummond, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Helensburgh Golf Club. We will now be working closely with the Club and their appointed clubhouse and golf course architects to bring forward detailed proposals which aim to deliver a new modern clubhouse, a re-aligned golf course and a range of high-quality new homes.”