PLANS have been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for a new £12 million residential development in Helensburgh which could see 76 new homes built in the town.

Plans for the site of the former Dobbies garden centre at Ardencaple, off Glenoran Road, were submitted this week by Persimmon Homes West Scotland.

The company’s development proposals include a range of properties, from two-bedroom terraced houses up to five-bedroom detached homes.

As well as private sale homes, the application includes 25 per cent affordable homes and improvements to the footpath between the site and Gareloch Road.

Doug Law, Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s managing director, said: “Prior to the submission of our application we carried out a comprehensive consultation involving the local community, the community council and Architecture and Design Helensburgh.

“We are committed to building high quality homes that not only address the needs of the local market but are also appeal to buyers keen to stay in sought after locations that are within easy reach of local amenities and transport links.”

Helensburgh MP Brendan O’Hara said he would welcome a “sensitive” plan for the site.

He said: “Any new development must be for high-quality, sympathetic and attractive housing that meets a broad range of needs.”

Persimmon originally proposed building 85 homes on a site earmarked in the local development plan for up to 60 properties.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, area chair, said: “This has been a vacant site since the sad departure of Dobbies several years ago and it will be good to have a mix of homes on this site for local families.”

MSP Jackie Baillie highlighted the reduction in the number of homes in the application compared to Persimmon’s original plans.

She said: “This particular location is at a sensitive site near woodland and green belt but I note that Persimmon have reduced the density of the plans submitted to Argyll and Bute Council following concerns expressed by residents during the pre-consultation phase.”

But Helensburgh community councillor Nigel Millar, in his monthly planning report to HCC, said: “Despite twice meeting with Persimmon there has been little perceived improvements in the mix of house designs. Little or no attempt has been made to make them contemporary, distinctive or interesting.

“Little or no attempt has been made to take advantage of the sloping, south facing site in terms of house design, layout or siting.”