A FORMER council office could be about to become the subject of a residential development, a report has revealed.

Blairvadach House, at Shandon, was put on the market in early 2019, with an Argyll and Bute Council officer revealing that there has been some interest.

An as-yet-unnamed developer has now been allowed to carry out site surveys, which are expected to be complete in early 2020. It is hoped that a planning application for the site could follow.

The information is revealed in a report to go before members of Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Thursday, December 19.

Douglas Hendry, the council’s executive director with responsibility for commercial services, said: “Blairvadach is a large former council office building and substantial estate grounds.

“The property is allocated in the Local Development Plan for housing for 112 residential units and was marketed in early 2019 with a number of offers being received.

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“Following assessment of the offers a preferred developer was selected to work with, to develop the site.

“Subsequently a site licence has been agreed in November 2019 to allow the preferred developer to undertake site investigations, topographical surveys, tree surveys and a structural assessment of Blairvadach House.

“It is anticipated that these surveys will be completed in early 2020 and the outcome will determine the form of their planning application which is the next critical step.”

Mr Hendry’s report also reveals plans for one of the council-owned properties on Sinclair Street, between the former municipal buildings and the Co-op supermarket.

He continued: “Estates are working with the residents association for this block to agree a programme of common repairs to the roof, stairwell and rainwater goods.

“There is likely to be a requirement to restrict access to the pavement whilst certain works are ongoing.

“The works have been delayed from the original programme while some issues over the funding of the works are resolved but it is hoped that the works will be undertaken during 2020.”

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The report also gives updates on the Peckhams restaurant planned for the municipal buildings, and for the Simply UK care home at the Hermitage Park depot site, which was given planning permission in October.

Mr Hendry added: “Peckhams have already obtained planning permission to convert the building into a bistro and deli on the ground floors with private dining and residential accommodation on the upper floors.

“The refurbishment works have already commenced and phase 1, including the new deli, is programmed to be completed in around six months.”

On the Hermitage Park depot site care home, he said: “Consent has also been obtained to demolish the buildings that currently stand on the site.

“Following on from this, estates and legal services will be working with the developer to satisfy the remaining conditions of the offer with a view towards concluding the sale as soon as possible thereafter.

“This may involve concluding a licence to allow early site works including demolition of the derelict depot buildings to be progressed in advance of settlement of the sale.”

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