Around 70 people flocked to the Victoria Halls last Thursday for the public exhibition on Taylor Wimpey’s plans to build around 102 homes in the area.

The brownfield site on the old Hermitage Academy site was previously identified for housing and allowed members of the public to get their say on what they thought of the plans, which includes a mixture of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom housing.

Kenny Blue, senior architect for Taylor Wimpey, said he was delighted with the public reception.

He said: “I think people are quite happy to see that the site is looking this well developed and some people have registered interest in buying a home as well which we’re very pleased with."

Stephen Andrew, technical director at Taylor Wimpey housing, said: “There’s been a good demand for new family housing in Helensburgh because I think it’s been some time since there’s been a development on this scale. I think everybody, including the council are very keen to see this development go forward.” Mr Andrew said the number of houses allocated would change throughout the consultation and pre planning stages. He added: “Our proposal for the development is likely to evolve as we work through a number of technical studies and site investigations in order to deliver the best overall solution for the area.

“As part of the overall planning process we will review the useful feedback that we received from the public consultation event that was held last week, and the number of new homes will be determined by the planning process.” Taylor Wimpey will now collate the results of last Thursday’s consultation before going to Argyll and Bute Council to seek planning permission.

It’s expected the multi-million pound development will create around 140 jobs over the course of the construction period and if planning approval is granted, the project could break ground next February.

The Taylor Wimpey housing proposal also compliments the affordable Dunbritton Housing Association homes, which were recently erected on a neighbouring site.

Councillor Aileen Morton said “As a near neighbour of the Academy site I was very interested to see what Taylor Wimpey are proposing for their new development.

“I’m pleased to see that they are currently looking to provide a range of houses from two-bed upwards, and there also seemed to be a significant level of open space being retained which is to be welcomed.

“Obviously the formal planning application is still to be submitted (and approved) but hopefully this will go smoothly as there is significant demand for housing in the area, and it will be good to see such a large site brought back into full use following the initial housing development by Dunbritton.” Councillor Vivien Dance said the ‘real test’ will come when the developers submit their planning application – but added the site needs developed.

She said: “It’s been lying far too long and that situation should not have arisen so the people I have spoken to in that area and people who have spoken to me are very keen to see the site developed.” Brendan O’Hara, MP for Argyll and Bute, said: “There has been for some considerable time a severe lack of affordable housing in Helensburgh.

“I am absolutely delighted therefore that the development on the old Academy site is going to go some way in alleviating that problem.

“I believe these homes will be a significant economic boost to the town as young families in particular will either be encouraged to buy a home and settle in the town or couples from Helensburgh who up until now may have had to leave the town to buy their first home, will be able to stay in the town.”