PLANS for a new kayak storage facility at Craigendoran as part of a proposed new seafront B&B have been labelled “a monstrosity” by neighbouring residents.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, a revised planning application for the site was lodged with Argyll and Bute Council last month following the withdrawal of a previous version published in May.

But while people living near the proposed development were happy with the original application, the revised plans, by architects Corstorphine & Wright, have attracted strong criticism.

The centrepiece of the new-look plans is a metal-clad building, of modern design, around 28 metres long and eight metres tall, which would house the proposed B&B facility.

Geoff and Jean Riddington, who live near the site, said: “The major problem is the design. With zinc cladding it will be massively out of scale and an eyesore that would dominate views from the sea to the east, south and west, from the whole length of the seafront from Craigendoran pier to Helensburgh pier, including the length of Middleton Drive and the East Bay promenade, the A813 and the Three Lochs Way.

“The development appears to be (and is) a totally out of scale ‘aircraft hangar’, perched on the sea.

“A modern glass and steel 1.5 storey building, similar to the original proposal, might just be acceptable.

“This gigantic metal box is most certainly not.”

And a second Middleton Drive resident, Andrew Downs, said in his objection: “The design resembles a large industrial box, which is overly obtrusive.

“The building benefits from a fabulous coastal position which presents a fantastic opportunity.

“This has not been taken; the urban design detracts from the area, rather than serving to enhance it.”

The neighbouring residents’ concerns were brought to the latest monthly meeting of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC).

Nigel Millar, who chairs HCC’s planning sub-group, said: “The original application last year for a B&B and kayak centre was one we supported.

“We felt that Helensburgh is the start of a kayak trail and that the application would bring life to a very run-down part of Helensburgh. The design seemed strikingly modern, but not too dominant.

“The new design is a metal box – 28 metres long, eight metres tall, and seven wide. A standard metal container is six by two by two.

“Residents now feel that there would be a deleterious visual impact on the area from the revised application.

“The HCC view is that the previous application was acceptable, and we would like to see that application instituted as it stands.”

Mr Downs, who also attended the recent HCC meeting, said: “We had previously accepted the principal of the proposals for a development.

“But the revised proposal is going to be a monstrosity, and I think it’s not something that anyone would support.

“We gave support to the prospect of some form of development, but we are now lodging objections to the revised proposals.”

Four objections have been lodged with the council.

One is by Mr Downs, and others are by Mr and Mrs Riddington, by HCC, and by Mr Mel Cadman.

The application is being considered by Argyll and Bute planning officials. A decision is expected imminently.