A TEAM of architects behind a proposed housing development in Kilcreggan has hit back at council officials who say their plans should be rejected.

Lucid Architects have responded to a recommendation by Argyll and Bute Council planning officers that their application for seven new accommodation units and a community hub on Rosneath Road should be refused.

The development’s fate will be decided at a meeting of the council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee on Wednesday, February 20.

A previous report by planning officer Frazer MacLeod said that the proposed development would have a detrimental impact on the area and result in the loss of woodland.

However, Andy Whyte of Lucid Architects said: “The report, sadly, does not give the full history of the site and the current condition of the land while focusing on the loss of some of the trees.

“Most of the unprotected trees on the site were already removed by a previous owner some years ago and the intention of the project is to stabilise what is left and secure the future of the site.

“There will be improved additional planting with over 50 new trees and bushes on the site as part of the landscape proposal to make the site whole again.

“The images of the site as proposed show this and confirm that the intention is to retain the current wooded feel of the site.

“The current amenity value of the site is very low due to the poor quality of the unmanaged trees and scrub plus a complete lack of access, coupled with the flytipping and ad-hoc activity that has taken place there in the past.”

The company’s ideas were first unveiled at a meeting of Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council in September 2016.

Mr Whyte said the site would become accessible with a new public path down to the village under the proposals, meaning pedestrians would not have to walk on the main carriageway of the road.

He also said that the plans would meet the demand for smaller and more flexible housing, along with a possible use of second homes or tourist letting units.

He said: “The land is of a different character than the larger, much more pristine areas of open space protected area further up the slope.

“The proposal has support both locally from residents, the local development trust and further afield.

“The buildings themselves offer flexible small homes or a beautiful place to stay, with strong usability and sense of community within an area well-known and respected for its unusual vibrancy and mix of interesting people.”