Helensburgh care home plans withdrawn - for now

But Simply UK’s proposals for the facility at the depot site next to Hermitage Park may not be completely dead in the water, with council chiefs stating they are working with the developers on an alternative design.

The plans for the care home attracted concerns from neighbouring residents due to its proposed four-storey height, which it was felt would distort views of the town from nearby Prince Albert Terrace.

A planning statement produced for the care home included proposals for bars and a beauty salon, as well as what it described as top-class food.

A total of 30 objections were received by Argyll and Bute Council, whose online planning portal announced on Tuesday, July 9 that the application had been withdrawn.

Among those objecting were Helensburgh Community Council [HCC] and the Friends of Hermitage Park.

Nigel Millar, HCC’s lead for planning matters, said: “I know that as far as the community council is concerned, we do need more care home accommodation in the town.

“But it has to be done in such a way that is acceptable to the community and immediate residents.

“There were a lot of objections raised, including by the community council.

“They said that the building was too large and dominated the grade A war memorial, along with the sheltering accommodation.

“My understanding was that the applicant had gone away to think again, but it seems they have now come to the conclusion to withdraw.

“Let’s hope somebody else comes up with a project which is viable and acceptable to the community, in which case it would get our support.”

Simply UK did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The Friends of Hermitage Park had said in their objection, submitted in April by chair Fiona Baker: “We find the present proposal for a yellow brick, three and four storey L shaped block to be completely out of keeping with the location in a conservation area.

“We do not think this current proposal is appropriate to increasing the benefit and enjoyment of Hermitage Park for residents and visitors as a whole.”

Richard Cullen, of the Friends of Prince Albert Terrace, also submitted as part of the consultation process: “The rear elevation of the proposed building has 21 windows looking directly into the rear of Prince Albert properties and gardens.

“Some of these are French doors opening directly into what appears to be a narrow area along the border of the rear access lane behind the terrace.”

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson, speaking before the announcement that the application was withdrawn, said: “We are working with the applicant to come up with a suitable design. That may lead to a new application.

“At that point, people will be invited to comment.”