PLANS for 112 new homes to be built on a council-owned site near Helensburgh have collapsed – but they could still be resurrected by an alternative bidder.

A council report has stated that the plans for the site at Blairvadach – formerly home to Argyll and Bute Council's planning and estates departments – were thrown into disarray in September when the preferred bidder announced they would not continue their interest.

The decision, described by a council officer as “a major disappointment”, was taken due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the wider economy.

However, talks are progressing with the bidder who submitted the second-best offer, who have confirmed that they remain interested in the site.

The report will go before the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee at its virtual meeting on Thursday, March 25. As it is listed for noting, it is unlikely there will be any debate on the matter.

READ MORE: Pandemic 'puts Blairvadach homes bid at risk', warns council report

Council executive director Douglas Hendry 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.

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

“Subsequently a site licence was 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 was anticipated that these surveys would be completed in early 2020; however this was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Council to seek fresh Blairvadach bids as developer's terms deemed 'unacceptable'

“Unfortunately the preferred developer confirmed in September 2020 that due to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant effect on the wider economy they would be unable to proceed with their proposed development.

“Accordingly their interest in the site has been terminated, which is a major disappointment, particularly considering the delays in getting to this position again caused by the pandemic stopping the site investigations for an extended period.

“On a more positive note the developer who previously submitted the second best offer has confirmed that they remain interested in the site and discussions have commenced on a phased approach to the development.

“In addition, the council has access to the reports and site investigations undertaken by the previous developers which will assist to move the process forward more quickly.”

Blairvadach House has lain empty since 2015, when council planning staff moved into the new Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre.

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