PLANS to convert a former butcher's shop in Helensburgh into flats have been heavily criticised by people living nearby.
The property at 89 East Clyde Street, east of the junction with Charlotte Street, is the subject of an application to Argyll and Bute Council by MC Trustees, with a decision expected by late September.
The shop was formerly the premises of McCune Prime Cut Fine Foods, but has lain vacant for more than two years after the shop’s closure.
A supporting statement by agents Bennett Developments and Consulting said that the only changes to the building would be to the shopfront to form a doorway.
READ MORE: Helensburgh pub's neighbours hit out at 'unbearable' beer garden plans
But a letter to the council claims the proposed alterations "will have a severe detrimental impact...on all other residents at this property".
The objection, lodged by Sheena Carr and Charles McLelland, who live in a neighbouring flat which is part of the same block, says that if the former shop is converted to flats it will result in a "huge increase" in the number of people looking to use the communal garden space at the rear of the property.
The objectors say: "The proposed change of use at number 89 would certainly limit/dilute/restrict the current level of use we have of the garden, and this is unreasonable, intolerable and unacceptable."
They also raise concerns about loss of privacy, a reduction in value of the four existing flats in the block, disruption during building work, and the room that would be taken up by the proposed new flats' bins.
READ MORE: Controversial Portincaple housing plans 'should be approved', say planning chiefs
Two statutory consultees – Scottish Water and Argyll and Bute Council's own roads department – say they have no objection to the proposed change of use.
The roads department says the current Argyll and Bute local plan does not require the provision of specific parking spaces.
A decision on the plans is expected by mid-September.
The application can be found in the council’s online planning portal by searching for the code number 20/01138/PP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here