CONTROVERSIAL plans for a major housing development at the west end of Helensburgh have been recommended for approval – despite more than 80 objections from members of the public.

Persimmon Homes plans to build 76 new family homes on the site of the former Dobbies garden centre at Ardencaple in a move branded “monstrous” when published earlier this year.

But Argyll and Bute Council’s planning officers recommended the company’s planning application should be approved.

Members of the authority's planning, protective services and licensing committee agreed on Wednesday to hold a public hearing to consider the application in detail before a final decision is reached.

When the plans were published in May, opponents described the proposed development as “of monstrous proportions” and claimed “it would be difficult to find a more grotesque example of profit maximisation”.

In his report on the application, council planning officer David Moore said Persimmon’s proposals should be viewed a “minor departure” from the council’s own development plan.

Mr Moore wrote: “The principle of the proposal and the design, layout and material proposed accords with the policies of the local development plan, with the exception of a minor and justifiable departure from policy LDP DM1 in respect of greenbelt policy.

“The proposal also accords with supplementary guidance and there are no other material considerations, including views expressed by third parties, which would warrant other than planning permission being granted.”

Referring to the requirement for a public hearing, Mr Moore said: “The application has attracted considerable objection from local community groups and residents.

“At the time of writing there are some 85 objections from individuals and community groups.

“Both Helensburgh Community Council and Rhu and Shandon Community Council have lodged objections to the proposal.

“It is considered that in these circumstances there would be added value in holding a discretionary local hearing as it would allow members to become acquainted with the site and consider the issues relating to this proposal in the light of presentations on behalf of the applicants and third parties.”

In its official submission on the application, Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) criticised Persimmon’s proposals on the grounds of density – on a site earmarked for up to 60 properties in Argyll and Bute’s local development plan – and design.

It said the development would be “severely overcrowded” with “poorly-designed houses crammed too closely together at odds with the semi-rural area”.

HCC also criticised what it called “inadequate play/recreation area for children and adults”, and said the development would have “no sense of community feeling” and “inadequate space for parking”.

Nigel Millar of Helensburgh Community Council, said: “I am bitterly disappointed at the recommendation to approve this application.

"I feel that there will be far too many houses on the site of a poor design that won’t add to the sense of community in the area.

“What the community council are looking for is around 60 homes and a village green at its heart. The community council will continue to oppose this application.”

Jack Rudram, convener of Rhu and Shandon Community Council, said: “If the application goes to a public hearing we will consider making a representation on it then.

“But I’ve seen nothing yet which changes my mind about our position.”

Doug Law, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “We have worked closely with the local authority, their advisory bodies and the local community to groups to submit a fully compliant housing application for much needed affordable, first time buyer and family homes.

“It is clear from the high level of interest shown from potential first-time buyers that the lack of new build housing in the area has created a huge demand.”

Council officials have also recommended that in the event of planning permission being eventually granted, 24 conditions should be attached to the approval.