PLANS for six new homes to be built in Barcaldine have been given the go-ahead by councillors, despite 18 objections from the public.

Creran Homes’ proposals for a site southeast of Inverbhreach Cottages went under the microscope at a key council committee meeting.

The site had previously had planning permission for 10 houses granted in 2019, while two further applications for planning permission in 2022 were withdrawn.

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee unanimously approved the application at its meeting on Wednesday, June 19.

Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) asked: “I know there will be air-sourced heat pumps, but I am very disappointed when I see new builds and they do not have the panels on the roof to support the families for the long term.

“Do you have any information on the reality of this? The heat pumps are good, but would it be better with solar panels, because I feel we should be encouraging new builds to have them?”

Planning officer Fiona Scott responded: “Most applications do include some [renewable energy] measures, and pumps seem to be the most popular, but we do see a lot of people installing solar panels.

“Owners themselves will have the opportunity to investigate installing solar panels and it may be something they want to pursue in the future.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) then asked why the developer was submitting plans in a small number, with the site having previously had permission for more homes.

Ms Scott said: “Phases one and two were undertaken as part of a housing application in the previous Local Development Plan, at which time it was an application for 27 units.”