NEW bidders have been identified for a major housing development in Helensburgh.

The proposed site at Sawmill Field, next to Hermitage Academy, was the subject of a planning application from CALA Homes for the construction of up to 120 new houses, made up of a range of two, three, and four-bedroom family homes, a quarter of which were allocated as affordable housing.

However, the developers pulled out of negotiations earlier this year, deciding not to progress despite Argyll and Bute Council granting outline planning permission in 2016.

This opened the door for other prospective bidders to stake their claim for the 15-acre patch of land, owned by Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail and his three brothers.

READ MORE: CALA Homes pulls out of major Helensburgh housing development

And Bellway Homes are now at the front of the queue, with a public consultation due to be held in the town this week, where initial plans will be presented.

Mr Trail confirmed that Bellway are the new applicants and preferred bidders, adding: “We hope that they will move ahead quickly and be able to make a start on site next year.”

The pre-application consultation, which will take place on Wednesday, September 18, between 2pm and 7pm, at the Commodore Hotel coffee shop on West Clyde Street, will involve representatives from Bellway and Iceni Projects.

It will feature a number of information boards detailing the proposed site layout and house types.

There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to leave feedback on the scheme.

READ MORE: Green light given to two Helensburgh housing development plans

A formal planning application has yet to be submitted by Bellway, but it is hoped that the development will get the go ahead in the near future after almost six months in limbo.

When the Advertiser broke the news that CALA Homes had pulled out of negotiations in April, Helensburgh’s MSP Jackie Baillie said: “Demand for housing still outweighs supply in the area.

"That said, this is clearly an opportunity for the council to work with local social housing providers to create a mix of affordable housing and housing for social rent.

“I would urge the council to work with local housing associations to see what can be developed at this site.”