A HELENSBURGH town centre site is being earmarked for use as a new retail space – and a potential site for open air markets.

The area at 15 West Princes Street is the subject of an application to Argyll and Bute Council by Harold Hood. The plans also include office, workshop and storage spaces.

The site is located down a lane, between Stirling and Gilmour solicitors and Card Factory. Planning permission was previously granted in 2019 for the demolition and replacement of existing buildings, and is valid until July 2022.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The site is located to the south side of West Princes Street and sits to the rear of existing shops and offices, with access being taken directly from West Princes Street, between numbers 13 and 17The site is located to the south side of West Princes Street and sits to the rear of existing shops and offices, with access being taken directly from West Princes Street, between numbers 13 and 17

A decision from the council’s planning officers is expected by mid-July, with the plans now available for scrutiny by the public.

A design and access statement by planning agents MH Planning Associates said: “The application site comprises two vacant buildings formerly used for class 4 office purposes in association with a skip hire business and an area of open land, formerly used for the storage of skips, all located at 15 West Princes Street, Helensburgh.

“The more substantial of the two buildings is constructed of brick, under a pitched slated roof. Attached to this is a smaller flat roofed building.

“It is now within the boundary of the recently designated Helensburgh town centre conservation area.

“In this regard Policy SG LDP ENV 17 states that there is a presumption against development that does not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of an existing or proposed conservation area or its setting, or a special built environment area.

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“The Scottish Government have made it clear that the protection of the historic environment is not about preventing change.

“Scottish planning policy states that the planning system should enable positive change in the historic environment which is informed by a clear understanding of the importance of the heritage assets affected and ensure their future use.”

The statement added: “The proposed renovation of the existing building, and its conversion to a new beneficial use, will not harm the character or the appearance of the conservation area and thus there will be no conflict with policy in this respect.”

The plans can be viewed at the council’s online planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk under the reference number 21/00788/PP.

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