PLANS have been submitted to demolish a total of 80 former Royal Navy properties in Rhu.

The run-down properties at Smugglers Way are the subject of the proposals by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

It is planned to knock down numbers 27, 29-44 inclusive, 46 and 48, each of which houses several flats, along with similar buildings at nearby Arden Hill.

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning department is now considering the application, with a decision expected by the end of November.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently has 515 ‘service families accommodation’ properties in the Helensburgh area, of which 80 derelict maisonettes are earmarked for demolition.

“These properties have been vacant for several years, are below Decent Homes Standard, and are beyond economic repair.

“The design and layout of the individual units means they are not suitable for use as single living accommodation; consequently they are surplus to MOD requirements.

“DIO intends to demolish these properties to create a development opportunity for new bespoke single living accommodation units to accommodate the planned increase of Royal Navy personnel at HMNB Clyde.

“Demolishing these units will improve the local landscape, reduce maintenance and management costs for the department, and allow the area to be re-developed.”

The pictures taken by the Advertiser’s photographer show the dilapidated state that the flats have been reduced to. They have lain empty for many years.