An ‘unsightly’ pile of logs which have lain at a site in Helensburgh for almost four years will have to be cleared – after the Scottish Government rejected an appeal from the land owners.


A council report published ahead of yesterday’s (Wednesday) meeting of the PPSL committee revealed the Scottish Government have rejected an appeal from the owners of the Cumberland Avenue site – who were told by the council earlier this year to remove the log pile and the bund closest to the road.


Community campaigners also called on the owners to ‘clear up’ the site in April, leading to Argyll and Bute Council issuing the notice under Section 179 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.


A site visit was carried out by Scottish Government officers in September to assess the site, after the owners lodged two appeals; one against the removal of the log pile, and one against the removal of the bund. 


The report from the visit states the log pile is ‘prominent in views’ from public vantage points and residential properties. It added the log pile is ‘substantial’, and detracts from the appearance of the site.


The report states if the log pile were to be moved to another part of the site, it is likely heavy machinery would be used, which would possibly harm the gradual regeneration of the vegetation. The log pile has lain at the site since 2011. However, only the logs will have to be removed, after the Scottish Government upheld a second appeal from the owners,  meaning the bund closest to the road does not need to be cleared.


In a report, the official who carried out the visit said: “Overall, I do not find the bund to be visually incongruous or obtrusive so as to detract from the appearance of the site or the character of the locality. 


“Its presence on the land does not adversely affect the amenity of the area.”


More than 300 residents signed a petition demanding the log pile and bund was tidied up. 


David Adams, Helensburgh Community Woodland Group convener, told the Advertiser: “All these improvements have been secured only through determined local campaigns organised by HCWG and consequent enforcement action by the council. 


“The site’s official planning designation remains as an Open Space Protection Area and it is still covered by a Tree Preservation Order. 


“It will require continued resolve and vigilance by Argyll and Bute Council in future years to protect what has been achieved so far.”


The owners of the site could not be reached for comment.