THE fate of controversial plans for a major housing development in Cardross is still hanging in the balance - after councillors failed to come to a decision following a three-hour hearing.
Developer Cala Homes wants permission for conditions attached to its plans for 120 homes north of Cardross Primary School to be 'discharged'.
But the company's application to Argyll and Bute Council sparked 91 objections.
Councillors decided in March to hold a public hearing before deciding whether to grant Cala's application.
Planning officials from the council recommended that Cala's application should be approved.
But after hearing concerns from members of the public over flooding concerns around the development, members of the council's planning, protective services and licensing committee decided they still needed more information before coming to a final decision.
The hearing took place in Helensburgh on Monday, June 17.
Councillor Gemma Penfold (Conservative, Helensburgh and Lomond South) spoke at the meeting in support of the application, although she is not a member of the committee.
She said: “In June last year, we as a council were the first local authority to declare a housing emergency, and I stand firmly behind the declaration.
“I am aware this project is controversial. We are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful landscape, and the last thing anybody wants is to cover it with buildings.
“But there is a large proportion of people in the area living in overcrowded or unsuitable homes.
"I have had numerous emails from constituents with no hope of getting out of that situation, due to the lack of houses in the area.
“It is OK for us to sit with our feet up in a house we can afford and say 'we do not want housing built', but the reality is we desperately need new housing in this area.”
Leading the voices of opposition was Cardross Community Council convener Dr Patrick Trust, who said: “When I first came to the community more than 40 years ago, we were against any development in Cardross because all the swamp went straight out into the Clyde.
“We reviewed our objections when Scottish Water built a pumping station and took all the sewage to Dumbarton.
“We have not objected to development, and fully understand the need for more housing, and the housing emergency in Argyll and Bute.
“I am not qualified to go into the details, but have been astounded by looking into some of the figures.
"I do not believe we have a full picture. I believe we are returning to the position where we put sewage straight into the Clyde.”
Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) said: “I take a more pragmatic view of it. The same amount of rain is going to be managed better by mitigation measures being put in place.
“I understand completely the angst from residents, and I don’t know whether, if we do ask SEPA [the Scottish Environment Protection Agency] to come along, they do come along.
“I am minded to support the recommendations, while fully taking on board the concerns.
"The way to do it properly is to engage with professional developers and planners.
“They then come up with the answers and, for me, they have done that.”
But Councillor Mark Irvine (Independent, Lomond North) took a different view, saying: “There are three gaps. One is more definitive input from the landowners, another is input from SEPA, and a representation from Scottish Water to support the plan.
“Coupled with that, I feel we have had a lot of very one-sided information on some critical parts of the plans.
“That is my concern, and I find it very difficult to put my hand on my heart and say that I can make a decision on this. I would like more information on those three gaps.
“I totally support the development, and no doubt it can deliver a solution [to the housing emergency], but until I see the solution, I do not think I can support the application as it stands.”
Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles) seconded Councillor Blair’s motion to agree the officers' recommendation, while Councillor Irvine’s amendment to continue the process was seconded by Cllr Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South).
After a roll call vote, Cllr Irvine's amendment won the day by seven votes to four.
The committee's chair, Cllr Keiron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) asked if the extra information could be provided in time for the committee’s next regular meeting, on Wednesday, June 19.
However, David Logan, the council’s head of legal and regulatory support, said that possibility was unrealistic.
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