IT’S crunch time for the future of Helensburgh’s waterfront.

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee will hold a public hearing at the Victoria Halls at 10.30am on Monday, November 19 to decide on the authority’s own planning application to redevelop the site.

The plans have been recommended for approval by council planning officers – but not everybody is happy with the proposals.

Helensburgh Community Council convener Norman Muir told the Advertiser: “In accord with the majority of the town, the community council supports the replacement of the existing swimming pool on the pierhead.

“But the fact of our community survey was that 55 per cent of those polled disapproved of the current planning application.

“Fifty seven per cent felt that the facilities would not meet their needs.

“In particular, there was major concern about the removal of the skatepark and the planning application still contains no commitment for a replacement.

“Sixty nine per cent rejected the reduction in car parking as being untenable for the town centre. The current 511 spaces will be reduced to 265, and the current seven coach parking spaces will be reduced to just two.”

Mr Muir contacted the Advertiser in response to Councillor Ellen Morton, who expressed her support for the proposed development in last week’s issue.

She said: “I firmly believe that this is a marvellous opportunity for Helensburgh and Lomond, and that we should be grasping it with enthusiasm.

“The proposed leisure facilities will be far better than we currently have.

“The new building will support the vitality and vibrancy of the town and make Helensburgh a more attractive place for people to live and work.”

We’ll announce the outcome at helensburghadvertiser.co.uk on Monday – with a full report and reaction in our November 22 print edition.