Unexpected challenges behind withdrawal of housing plans

But Taylor Wimpey says it plans to bring forward new proposals for the site "in the near future".

The company's proposals for 307 new homes on part of the golf club's land were marked as 'withdrawn' on Argyll and Bute Council's website last week.

In a joint statement posted on the planning section of the authority's website on August 16, the club and Taylor Wimpey said they were “disappointed” to ask for the application to be withdrawn.

The originally submitted plans also included reconfiguration of the golf course, with new holes created to replace those on which the houses were to be built, as well as the development of a new 'par three' course, the demolition of the existing clubhouse and the erection of a replacement.

Computer-generated designs showing part of Taylor Wimpey's proposed, and now withdrawn, development at Helensburgh Golf Club. (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

Taylor Wimpey also submitted a 'pre-application notice' earlier this month for a major new housing development at the west end of Cardross, between the A814 and the Helensburgh to Dumbarton railway line.

But the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands there is no connection between the Cardross proposals and the withdrawal of the golf club plans.

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland and Helensburgh Golf Club said: "We are disappointed that our proposed plan for the development of land at Helensburgh Golf Club has encountered unexpected challenges.

“We remain committed to finding an alternative solution that is acceptable to all parties, and we are in the process of reviewing the details of our plans and our approach to the overall development.

“We aim to bring forward fresh proposals in the near future."

The proposals were to have seen the demolition of the existing clubhouse at Helensburgh Golf Club and the building of a new facility. (Image: Newsquest)

A page on Taylor Wimpey’s website, which remains available to view, said: “Overlooking the Clyde Estuary, the redevelopment of Helensburgh golf course in partnership with Helensburgh Golf Club aims to deliver an impressive development of 307 new homes, along with upgrades and reconfiguration of the existing golf course.

“Our proposals include an impressive range of one to five-bedroom homes from our Scottish housetype range, along with a choice of four and five-bedroom homes from our Caledonian Collection homes to appeal to a wide range of customers. In accordance with council policy, 25 per cent of homes will be affordable homes.

“The development has been designed to maximise the outdoors for the enjoyment of the community with pockets of green space and upgrades to cycling and pedestrian routes via Old Luss Road along with new connections to core footpath network.”