PLANS for 24 houses to be built in Garelochhead will go to a public hearing, councillors have decided - after the number of objections to the proposal passed 100.

The proposal by Helco Developments Ltd for a site north-east of Braeside on the village's Station Road was considered by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, January 19.

Planning officers from the authority had recommended that a hearing should take place before a decision is made - but also said that in their view permission should be granted.

However, an officer told the committee that around 120 objections had been received - some of them as recently as the morning of the meeting.

Another council official confirmed that the hearing will take place virtually, but Lomond North independent councillor George Freeman, who lives near the site, suggested a site visit as well.

He said: “Clearly the recommendation is a hearing and I would fully support that, but I have prepared a motion because I believe it requires a site visit so members can understand the impact it would have on the community.

“I should make it clear that I live less than 100 yards from the site, but that certainly does not influence my decision. This site has been subject to planning for almost 30 years.

“When I go back over the history of the site, it highlights previous applications and I can get information on some of the early applications from the council website, but it says no documents are available for plans submitted in 2004.”

Councillor Mary Jean Devon (Independent, Oban South and the Isles), who lives on Mull, said: “For me to go to a site visit is two days away from home. Is there another way I could view the site?”

The committee's chair, Councillor David Kinniburgh (Conservative, Helensburgh and Lomond South) responded: “I don’t think there is any need to attend the site, but you can still take part in the decision-making process.

“There would be a presentation on the day and you would have the comments of fellow members.”

Councillor Freeman then said: “Clearly there is a slightly differing view, and that is why I feel it is important a motion is placed.

“Members are not required to attend a site visit. We have often had site visits where all members could not attend, but were involved in making the decision.”

Councillor Freeman’s motion was seconded by Cllr Jean Moffat (Independent, Isle of Bute) and was agreed unanimously.

It was confirmed that the hearing will take place virtually, and a date will be announced in due course.