New plans have been unveiled for 145 homes on the outskirts of Helensburgh.

CALA Homes have submitted a planning application in principle to Argyll and Bute Council for the residential development on the Sawmill field site, east of Hermitage Academy.

The application is the third in recent months showing interest from developers to build new homes in Helensburgh.

Taylor Wimpey West Scotland submitted an application to build 95 homes on the former Hermitage Academy site, and Persimmon Homes submitted a proposal of application notice to build the same number of homes on the former Dobbies site between Rhu and Helensburgh.

In the latest application, CALA Homes have applied for permission to build 145 houses on the 5.8ha site, with 25 per cent of the homes allocated affordable housing.

The site was allocated for that number of homes in the local development plan.

It is proposed a range of two, three, and four bedroom family homes would be built on the site.

An access and design statement submitted with the plans by the developers they have followed design principles, and incorporated the "functional requirements of the development" in an "integrated and cohesive way".

The plans are described by the developer as "high quality" in terms of design, layout and amenity. They also claim the homes, if approved, will proved a "safe, pleasant, and sustainable environment" for residents and visitors.

Of the 145 homes, 25 per cent would be affordable, the minimum amount required by the local development plan.

Two access roads would be built for the development due to the number of homes proposed.

The plans state the development, if approved, would help define a new entrance to Helensburgh.

However, in the plans, CALA state although there is 145 homes earmarked to be built on that site, the density of homes could be considered "inappropriate", outlining 100-120 homes may be more suitable. Full details will be "provided and justified" at a later date.

Local politicians have welcomed the development, which they hope will attract young people to the area and help to reverse the decline in the population suffered by Argyll and Bute in recent years.

Brendan O'Hara, Argyll and Bute's MP, said: "This development will not only bring much needed starter homes and homes suitable for young families in Helensburgh but will be of benefit to local businesses too.

"This is exactly what our town needs if it is to attract and retain young people.

"I welcome this development and is once again a sign of the huge potential our town has to offer and confidence beginning to return to the Helensburgh area."

Jackie Baillie, Helensburgh and Lomond's MSP, said the area "badly needs more homes", built in the right places, to attract young families.

She added: "We face a housing problem locally with demand outstripping supply, so I welcome the recent surge in interest from developers.

"I think there will be a mixed views on the application, with some people pleased to hear plans to develop the derelict site and others concerned about the green belt and expansion to the east."

She encouraged anyone with views on the application to contact local councillors, who will make the final decision on the plans.

Two weeks ago Persimmon Homes announced a plan for 95 houses off Glenoran Road in Helensburgh, with concerns being raised by local politicians and residents that the development could encroach on the greenbelt.

Other housing in Helensburgh is also planned, with Taylor Wimpey West Scotland submitting an application to build 95 homes on the former Hermitage Academy site.

In the local development plan, the site they propose to build on is part of the larger area where Dunbritton Housing Association built 49 affordable houses which were completed in November 2014 - meaning Taylor Wimpey do not need to build any affordable homes as part of the plans.