CONTROVERSIAL plans for a major new housing development at the west end of Helensburgh were approved this week – despite more than 80 objections from local residents and community groups.

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee voted to give the green light to Persimmon Homes’ plans to build 76 new homes on the site of the former Dobbies garden centre on Rhu Road Higher at a meeting in the town on Tuesday.

Many of the objections to the company’s plans complained about the density of the proposed development on a site earmarked for 60 homes in the council’s local development plan – but at several points during the hearing, council officials and Persimmon’s representatives said the 60-home figure was only “indicative”.

Doug Law, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said after the hearing: “We are delighted with the decision and now look forward to commence building.

“With a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom properties and very strong interest being shown by potential customers we see this as yet another successful development.”

Nigel Millar from Helensburgh Community Council, which objected to the application, said: “We’re severely disappointed. An opportunity to have a top rate development at the west end of Helensburgh has been missed.

“But good luck to Persimmon, and we look forward to seeing them on site as soon as possible in 2018 or early 2019.”

* Lots more reaction to the news in the December 20 issue of the Advertiser – on sale now.