PLANS for a development at Rhu Marina have been put before councillors on Argyll and Bute’s planning committee.

The Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club’s [RNCYC] proposals for a new clubhouse, with its existing facility forming residential units, was considered by the council’s planning, protective services and licensing [PPSL] committee on Wednesday, December 18.

Although it is not yet an official planning application, instead being a pre-application notice (PAN), councillors are being invited to consider the proposals and give their own feedback.

Their answers will allow the RNCYC to finalise its plans before they formally apply to the authority for planning permission.

Forty-six residential units form part of the proposed new development, with nine earmarked for the converted old clubhouse and the remaining 37 over two separate blocks.

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The clubhouse, formerly known as Ardenvohr House, has been the RNCYC’s base since the 1930s.

The club’s development plans include the construction of a new, more manageable, clubhouse at the nearby Rhu Marina.

In June, Commodore David Whitham described the development as “exciting times indeed.”

A report compiled for the meeting by a council planning officer details how members considered a masterplan for the site in 2013 – only to turn down the plans.

A quoted excerpt from that meeting said: “Whilst members of the PPSL committee agree that the current site has degenerated and welcome plans to redevelop the site, it is considered that this should be to a high standard which is sympathetic to its surroundings.

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“The PPSL agrees that the current proposals contained within the proposed masterplan are out of keeping with the general character of the Rhu conservation area.

“The PPSL agrees that there is insufficient detail to assess the proposed redevelopment in principle with particular concerns relating to the scale of the proposed infill.

“As a result, it is agreed that the application for the masterplan be refused.”

The new report for the PPSL meeting on December 18 states: “An approved masterplan for this site remains outstanding and this would require to be approved prior to a determination on the current application.

“The whole site is also designated as an area for action. The current RNCYC clubhouse is a category B Listed building.

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“In addition, the lodge, gates, gatepiers and boundary wall and railings are also separately category B Listed.

“There are also a number of other listed buildings located in the vicinity of the site. Both sites are also located within the Rhu conservation area.”

The report adds: “The part of the site which is located within Rhu Marina is located within part of an area designated as a potential development area.

“Under this designation the wider Rhu Marina site is identified as being suitable for a mixed use development comprising housing, leisure, tourism, business and retail.”

Councillors on the PPSL noted the contents of the report.

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