NEW houses could be built on the site of the former local authority building and estate at Blairvadach, near Helensburgh.

A report to be considered by Helensburgh and Lomond councillors next week states that an unnamed organisation has made an offer to Argyll and Bute Council for a “joint venture” to deliver new housing on the site.

The offer is currently being assessed by officials from the local authority.

The report, prepared for the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, which meets on June 13, states: “The property is allocated for housing for 115 units and has been marketed as a development opportunity for over one year by selling agents Ballantynes.

“Interest from housebuilders has been relatively low during this period. In speaking to the industry they have cited the following factors to why interest is low; high development costs associated with topography and listed building, burn crossing, dilapidation of main house, West Dunbartonshire unit proximity, tree protection, requirement for 25 per cent affordable housing, uncertainty over HMNB Clyde future, falling house prices in area, main housebuilders already have more deliverable sites in Helensburgh and Lomond.

“Recently, an offer has been made by one organisation for a joint venture structure to deliver housing over a number of years – so not an outright sale where a capital receipt would be obtained immediately.

“Officers are currently assessing this offer, due to its relative complexity, risk/reward projections and seeking to negotiate the best terms possible."