PROPOSALS for a new look Helensburgh Waterfront – which includes a new leisure centre and flood defences – have been approved.

The plans went before members of the Helensburgh and Lomond Local Area Committee on Tuesday night in the Victoria Halls.

But it took a late night session- coupled with fierce debate from members- before a decision was made.

The proposals went to a vote and were passed after a vote of six for and four against.

Some members wanted to continue the item until the next sitting of the committee so they could study the proposals in more detail, claiming there was a "rush" to pass it through.

But Committee chair Gary Mulvaney accused the members who wanted to delay making a decision of "sheer politicking" and "sour grapes," adding "they should be ashamed of themselves."

He said: "I am astonished that we are arguing about it. To be accused of rushing it does stretch the imagination.

"I can't believe we are creating such a bad news story from a fabulous project. It's completely and utterly sour grapes.

"They (opponents) should be ashamed of themselves. It's sheer politicking."

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development includes a new wider six lane swimming pool, larger gym and health suite, a new children's play area and an enhanced spectator area.

Also contained within the plans are design options for improved flood defences along the pier and public realm work to create a feature attraction within the town centre.

These ideas were first muted in 2009 and a masterplan was drawn up in May 2012.

And now after extensive public and private consultation, Argyll and Bute Council can finally bring the £17 million plans to fruition, pending all the planning procedures.

The new swimming pool and leisure facilities would be completed by 2020, as the work will be extensive and would result in the demolition of the current swimming pool.

The square metre difference between the existing facilities and the proposed would be over 1,200, which allows for a wider six lane 25m long swimming pool with 150 spectator capacity, a larger teaching pool with aqua-aerobic instruction space, enhanced dry side and changing facilities, a larger health suite and gym and a completely new children's play area.

On the night there were a variety of design options, with Option 5 the preferred choice.

But member George Freeman said: "My view is that we have been rushed into a decision. I recommend we continue this item.

"I don't want to make a decision and look back in years to come and say 'if only."

And Vivien Dance said: "All we are asking for is a little bit of breathing space to get our heads around it.

"We now seem to be, in many peoples eyes, to be pushing it through."

James Robb warned: "We have to get this right. The sky is not going to fall in if we don't make a decision now. I

"I'm not confident in the proposals just now."

But Aileen Morton said: "I'm delighted to be making a decision because this has been on going for years."

Meanwhile, Ellen Morton said: "I can understand some of the anxieties that councillors are expressing. It's a very complex project but we have been waiting for this for 17 year.

"We really do need to move on this."

To view the preferred design option go to the following link and clink on Agenda Reports Pack https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=244&MId=7130