A DEVELOPER who had “too radical” plans for Kilcreggan rejected by the council, and then again on appeal, has returned with new a new proposal.

Lucid Architecture had its plans to build seven hybrid apartments on land north of the boat yard site on Rosneath Road thrown out by Argyll and Bute Council last year.

An appeal against the decision was submitted to the Scottish Government Reporter, but it too failed in October.

Plans have now been submitted to the council for three houses to be built on the site, as well as the formation of access, parking facilities and landscaping work.

READ MORE: Kilcreggan 'hybrid housing' plan refused by councillors

The council is expected to issue a decision on the new plans by mid-March. Lucid purchased the site in springtime 2015.

In a submission to the council, Lucid owner Andy Whyte said: “Over three years we developed an interesting and innovative design for the site, which was well received amongst fellow designers, artists and many locals, some of the neighbours and most of those at the community council meeting where it was presented.

“However, this was considered a bit too radical by the council to meet the planning criteria for the area and was refused at detailed planning and again at appeal.

“The main reason for this was the non-standard nature of the design and the interaction with the trees and slopes on the lower part of the site.

READ MORE: Developer 'has plan B' after Kilcreggan homes bid is turned down

“This new design aims to reduce the amount of development on the site and limit it to the top part of the site where there are no trees and the land is much flatter.

“The design itself is clarified with only three units that are simple medium sized houses rather than a tourism hybrid and no shared building or workshops.

“The management of the invasive species and the trees, some of which need attention, are retained as part of the design; also the public path down into the village is retained due to the clear benefits that it gives.”

Mr Whyte said that he felt that the changes to the proposals answer all the points which led to their initial refusal by the council and then the Scottish Government.

LATEST HEADLINES: Helensburgh doctors win fight with council over uPVC windows at their home

These included concerns about tree loss, the slopes being built on, the design of the proposed buildings and uncertainty as to their use.

He added: “While we feel all of these points could have been answered as the project was realised the new design solves these issues in a much clearer and more standard way.

“Therefore, it can demonstrate closer compliance with the planning policy and the uncertainties are removed while still providing a good design and all the benefits as noted in the appeal documents.”

Mr Whyte concluded: “The new accommodation provides a good quality small project with modern housing of a fair size, all very near the centre of the village.

“Argyll and Bute has had a huge shortfall in the delivery of new housing and it is well documented that these type of small ‘windfall’ sites have played a very important role in what housing has been delivered while larger developments have often not progressed.”

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here