PLANS for the centre of Helensburgh to become the town’s third conservation area have been backed by councillors.

A consultation on the proposals, which include historical development with the crossroads of Sinclair Street and Princes Street, was carried out by Argyll and Bute Council during May and June.

A report went before members of the authority’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, September 18.

The conservation area would mostly run between James Street and Maitland Street, and from West Clyde Street to West Princes Street.

Helensburgh Central station would also be part of the new zone.

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The report said: “Helensburgh currently has two designated conservation areas – The Hill House conservation area and Upper Helensburgh conservation area.

“The southern boundary of the Upper Helensburgh conservation area ends at East and West Argyle Street and currently does not encompass any part of the town centre.

“The town centre is, however, distinctive in terms of character. The quality of townscape, waterfrontage, street pattern, buildings and its town centre activity merit further consideration.

“In response, Argyll and Bute Council have commissioned an initial scoping exercise to consider the merits of a Helensburgh Town Centre conservation area and to establish where the logical boundary would be located.

“The initial phase of the scoping study, a combination of field work, site walk rounds and liaison with the local authority was carried out September and October 2018.

“Conservation areas are defined as ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.

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“The designation of a conservation area is a means to ensure that the character and appearance of a valued historic place is safeguarded for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.

“The initial scoping exercise has established that there are indeed areas of the town centre that meet the criteria for special architectural and historic significance that would be desirable to preserve and enhance.”

After the planning committee backed the idea, the subject will now be put before a full council meeting on Thursday, September 26.

Ms Milne said: “This report recommends that members agree that the proposal to designate a conservation area to cover part of Helensburgh’s town centre would serve to preserve or enhance the special architectural or historic interest of the area.

“[It] should be progressed accordingly, which would subsequently allow for an applicaton submitted to Historic Environment Scotland for a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme to be considered.”