CONSERVATION area consent has been granted for the demolition of a Helensburgh seafront premises next door to a dangerous building.

The site at 9 East Clyde Street, which was formerly home to the Great Wall Chinese restaurant, was the subject of a bid for demolition by Joe Lee in January.

Its neighbouring building at 5-7 East Clyde Street was made the subject of a dangerous building order in 2016, which has forced the closure of that part of the street on several occasions.

Planners behind the application home that an enforced demolition of number 5-7 will enable both sites to be successfully redeveloped.

A design statement, submitted at the time of the application, said: “Due to the condition of the adjacent site, number 9-11 cannot be demolished as that would cause a disproportionate collapse in 5-7.

“Therefore it is hoped that a refreshed planning permission for number 9-11 and an enforced demolition of number 5-7 will allow both sites to be successfully redeveloped.”

A council planning officer said in a handling report: “The site is located within the settlement boundary and sits within the Town Centre Zone of Helensburgh and within a designated area for action and is part of Helensburgh’s Town Centre Conservation Area.

“9 East Clyde Street is directly adjoined to 5-7 East Clyde Street which is a traditional three storey tenement, this property is also derelict and is on the buildings at risk register.

“The remaining surrounding area comprises of the Wright’s Home Hardware shop which is located to the rear of the application site, with its car park and access located directly to the east of the site.

“It is noted that the existing building is in extremely poor condition and is not fit for reuse or retention; the existing building is also not considered to contribute any value to the surrounding conservation area.

“Its removal will not result in any detrimental impact on the immediate or wider area subject to a suitable restoration scheme to secure the site prior to it being redeveloped.”