PLANS for a new house within the garden grounds of a current property in Helensburgh's upper conservation area have been revealed.

The proposed home on Queen Street would be occupied by the applicants, who currently live in the present building on the site.

According to papers submitted to Argyll and Bute Council, the applicant intends to construct the new house within the front garden of their current home and then sell their home and move into the new house.

The site forms part of the front garden of a mid-19th century villa, which has been split into a lower and upper conversion, on Queen Street, in the town's Upper Helensburgh conservation area.

A design and access statement said that the applicant is seeking to "create a dwelling which illustrates the best of contemporary architectural design and construction".

Supporting documents uploaded with the application stated: "In more recent years, many dwellings have been constructed within the grounds of the large mansions, particularly in the upper west side of the town.

"The majority of these dwellings are of a non site-specific design and have little regard for the existing dwellings on the site.

"We are keen to create a new dwelling within the front garden which respects the existing dwelling, streetscape and provides an alternative to the current infill architecture.

"Our aim is to retain the formal setting of the existing dwelling as far as possible whilst creating a new garden space for the proposed dwelling and ensuring this new home sits comfortably within the landscape."

A design statement included three potential options for the new house, including a 'simple single storey which acts as a pavilion', a different single storey building with 'additional accommodation at first floor level to take advantage of the views from this height', and a 'courtyard type walled garden with glazed elevations and roof overhangs'.

Agents Paterson Gordon Architecture said their finalised design was option two, with the potential for one-and-a-half storeys.

The design statement added: "This garden pavilion-type design creates the majority of the floorspace at ground level but with a small area at first floor level to allow this level to be enjoyed whilst retaining the views from [the current home on the site].

"The north elevations are mostly solid, echoing the town fabric of high walls to the north of the grid streets.

"The south elevation is highly glazed and opportunities to enjoy the garden are taken where possible through the use of new patio doors and large windows.

"Overhanging eaves shall ground the building to its context and allow the garden to be enjoyed during inclement weather."

The three-bedroom building, described as being 'suitable for a local family looking to downsize', will also include an air source heat pump and roof-mounted solar panels.

A decision is expected by the end of the year.