PLANS for a boutique B&B at Craigendoran Pier have been given the green light by council chiefs - despite objections from neighbours who labelled the proposal "an eyesore".
The plans for the B&B, named ‘Go Coastal’ were first submitted to the council in May, but had to be resubmitted in October.
The location of its guest wing was changed to be behind the main area as opposed to the side, and the roof was slanted instead of flat.
Kayaking facilities are also part of the planned development, along with storage space for kayaks and a car park.
But not everybody was happy about the plans, with four objections received, one of them from Helensburgh Community Council (HCC).
READ MORE: Angry neighbours say Craigendoran B&B plans are 'an eyesore'
Their submission, by Nigel Millar, read: “Along with neighbours, HCC was in favour of an earlier, similar planning application on this site.
“Long overdue, it was a commendable effort to clear up an area which had been an ugly eyesore for many years.
“Sadly, this new application cannot be supported by HCC as the scale and bulk of the proposed residential accommodation is out of character with the neighbouring residential area.
“It would appear larger than that proposed in the earlier application.”
Mr Millar also cited concerns about the on-site vehicle parking, and the impact of coaches possibly parking in the vicinity when the Waterfront Leisure Centre development is complete.
And HCC was not alone: Geoff and Jean Riddington, who live close to the site, likened the design of the building to a "totally out of scale aircraft hangar" and called it "massively out of scale" and "an eyesore that would dominate views from the sea".
READ MORE: New plans lodged for B&B at Craigendoran pier site
But council planning officer Howard Young said in his report on the case: “It is considered the building will have a positive impact upon the landscape as it will be a distinctive landmark building, highly visible on the coastline similar to an end of pier building or the original Craigendoran railway station.
“The building is an unashamedly modern, innovative design that will anchor the newly established businesses in this area.
“It will also be a new tourist destination which can attract investment and regeneration to this derelict site which has been an ugly eyesore for many years.
“Significant weight is given to these reasons and the council is satisfied that all possible mitigation measures have been incorporated.”
The architects’ revised planning and access statement, submitted in October, said: “The site is special. Reclaimed land with incredible timber piers reaching out into the Clyde.
“The building has been designed to take account of consultee responses to site the building entirely on the original reclaimed ground of the railway and steamer dock.
“The building facade bursts open toward the 180 degree views across the Clyde looking West with large format windows and sliding doors.
“A nook at the end of the principal guest corridor frames the view north toward Helensburgh.”
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