THE developers behind plans for 16 new residential units at an iconic Helensburgh seafront site have said they are “delighted” with Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to grant planning permission.

Panacea Property’s proposals for the former Cairndhu House, on Rhu Road Lower, were given the green light by the authority’s planning officers on Friday, April 24.

Nine luxury flats will be constructed in the house itself, with a further two being added in a newly-built extension. A mews house and four garden houses also form part of the approved plans.

The plans were revised from their original form, with a new submission made last month in order to include an extra house in the plans.

READ MORE: Luxury flats plan at Helensburgh mansion gets council green light

A spokesperson for Panacea Property said: “ We are delighted to receive planning permission for Cairndhu House and look forward to protecting and restoring one of Scotland's most treasured properties.

“Designed by the renowned William Leiper and featuring beautiful Anglo-Japanese ceilings and stained glass by Daniel Cottier, the refurbishment of Cairndhu house combined with the elegant yet unimposing deign of the new builds in the grounds will create a luxury bespoke development of 16 homes with amazing views of the Clyde.

“Work will start in conjunction with planning department and Historical Environment Scotland guidelines as soon as safely possible. Please visit panaceahomes.co.uk to register for details.”

Six objections were registered with the council, mainly focusing on the impact of the new accommodation on neighbouring properties.

READ MORE: Expanded plans lodged for Helensburgh mansion's luxury conversion

But Fergus Murray, the council’s head of economic development and growth, said in a handling report: “The mews building is located in the position where a garage presently exists, the increase in scale and massing is not considered excessive to warrant refusal of planning permission.

“A safeguarding and landscaping condition will be imposed to ensure adequate landscaping and screening is in place.”

Meanwhile, Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) has welcomed the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the new development.

But the HCC member who deals with planning issues for the group has also expressed disappointment at the acceptance of what he branded “run-of-the-mill” design of the four new garden apartments which form part of the plans.

READ MORE: Cairndhu House set for a new life as housing conversion plans are unveiled

Speaking on behalf of HCC, Nigel Millar said: “Helensburgh Community Council has long wished to to see William Leiper’s Grade A Cairndhu House brought back to life.

“It is one of the town’s most distinguished buildings sitting on a prominent site overlooking the Clyde.

“It has lain empty for too long and its conversion into flats will breathe welcome new life into it.

“While HCC accepts the proposed four new garden apartments on Cairndhu Gardens to help pay for the conversion, it is sorry that the council has agreed to their run-of-the-mill design which does not sit well with their illustrious neighbour.

“In addition, the proposed mews dwelling house, while replacing a former garage on the site, will dominate the homes of some of the residents on Cairndhu Avenue. This could have been avoided.”

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