PLANS to extend a controversial housing development in Helensburgh have sparked concerns over road safety and overcrowding.

Persimmon Homes has lodged a bid with Argyll and Bute Council to increase the size of its 'Duchess Gait' development at Glenoran Road from 76 homes to 83.

Planning officials from the local authority are now considering the new application for the site, with a decision expected by April.

Nigel Millar from Helensburgh Community Council said: “I am not sure why the company is wanting to change the number of houses on the site. Reading the documentation I could not find any reason for that.

“The site is already grossly overcrowded, and this is just going to add to that.

“The rule of thumb is that each house will generate another two cars. It could lead to road safety issues, among other things."

And architect Iain MacLaren, who lives next door to the site, added: "My concern is over site density and the implications of that. "Another seven houses will only exacerbate the situation."

Persimmon's previous application to build 76 homes on the site of the former Dobbies garden centre was approved by Argyll and Bute's planning committee in December 2017 – despite more than 80 objections from members of the public.

The company had originally unveiled plans in 2016 to build 95 houses on the site, though these were later revised downwards to 85, and then, in the formal planning application, to 76.

Doug Law, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “Due to success of sales at our Helensburgh development we are looking to ensure we meet the market demand for three and four-bedroom homes."