DEVELOPERS have insisted they will note concerns raised at a council meeting about the prospect of hundreds of new homes being built in Cardross.
A pre-application notice by Taylor Wimpey for a site at Geilston Farm was discussed during a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, August 21.
The committee heard concerns that the site, which is bordered by the A814 to the north and the Helensburgh-Dumbarton railway line to the site, could be large enough to accommodate up to 700 homes, and that the infrastructure of Cardross might not be able to cope with such a huge development.
The same meeting heard of speculation at Cardross Community Council that a development of 500 homes was being considered.
But Taylor Wimpey has moved to scotch those rumours, with a company representative saying that a figure of up to 200 homes is more likely.
Two public events will be held in Cardross giving members of the public the chance to find out more about, and comment on, the outline proposals.
Andrew Roberts, strategic land director for Taylor Wimpey strategic land in Scotland, said: “We want to reassure the local community that we are aware of the summary of concerns noted at this meeting, and that we will address all the points raised during the consultation phase for the development.
“We would, however, like to clarify a key point about the number of new homes that our proposed development may deliver.
“During the meeting, speculative numbers of 500 and 700 homes were mentioned. Whilst indicative, and still to be confirmed, it is our expectation that our proposals will be for up to 200 new homes.
“We also propose that our new homes on the site will be sensitively set within the existing landscape framework, and we will include substantial open space, planting and biodiversity enhancements.
“Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to advise that our proposed development will also accommodate a substantial area for sustainable urban drainage ponds, which we will ensure are sized to fully accommodate the development and provide an opportunity for betterment to the surrounding area.”
Mr Roberts added: “As a responsible developer committed to local stakeholder engagement, we can confirm that the first of our public consultation events will take place on Wednesday, September 25, from 4pm-8pm at Cardross Village Hall.
“This event is the first of two, and it is an ideal opportunity for members of the local community to meet our design team and learn more about our proposals.
“We will encourage those who attend to complete our feedback forms, and all comments we receive are reviewed and considered as we shape our proposal for the development.
“For those unable to join us in person, full details about our proposals and an opportunity to leave feedback are also available on our website.”
The second consultation event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, also from 4pm to 8pm.
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