SCOTLAND'S environmental protection agency has withdrawn its objection to plans to build 76 new houses at the west end of Helensburgh.

But the number of objections to the development plans by Persimmon Homes West Scotland has now reached more than 80 – making it almost certain that the company's application to develop the former Dobbies garden centre site will be decided at a public hearing.

SEPA withdrew its objection to Persimmon's plans on Thursday, June 1 – the day the Advertiser's last story on the application was published.

But two community councils in the area have now submitted their official objections to the development proposal for the site off Glenoran Road.

Both Helensburgh and Rhu and Shandon community councils have voiced their concerns over the density of housing proposed by Persimmon for the site, which, according to the local development plan, is suitable for up to 60 homes.

The two community councils' worries are broadly similar to those expressed by 79 members of the public, many of them living near the development site.

Doug Law, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Scotland, commented: “Our primary objective is to create a place where people want to live, which will contribute to the already diverse range of properties within Helensburgh.

“We have been working with a range of professionals to achieve this. The development will provide a range of affordable homes, from two to six bedroom.

“It should be noted that the objection from SEPA has now been withdrawn.

“A suite of technical studies including a transport assessment and flood risk assessment have been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council which formed the basis of our validly made planning application.

“Whilst we note that there have been objections, this is common with all planning applications within existing residential locations.”