Garelochhead Community Council (GCC) has said it remains “strongly opposed” to plans for a residential development on Station Road after the site was put up for sale, branding the process as “farcical”.

Argyll and Bute Council approved Helco Development Ltd’s plans for 24 homes in February despite over 160 objections from the public.

Objectors raised concerns over the width of station road and whether it was suitable for the traffic the development would attract.

Permission was also granted one two separate previous occasions in 2005 and 2010.

DM Hall Chartered Surveyors is now inviting offers for the site, which covers 8.47-acres.

GCC secretary Hilary Worton said: “The planning committee were compelled to approve the application however since there had been previous identical applications submitted and approved for the site, going back many years.

“It is disappointing that the planning regulations do not recognise the need to re-evaluate in cases like this.

“For example, there is a far greater reliance on cars than when the plans were originally submitted and so if these houses were to be built, it’s likely that each one will have multiple vehicles, leading to a significant increase in traffic on a narrow village street.

“The plans were approved, but with a condition attached that would require the road to be widened to allow for safe pedestrian access so it seems highly likely that these houses will never in fact get built as there is simply not enough land available for a developer to meet the condition.

“What a waste of time and money to go through this farcical process, not to mention the stress and anxiety this has brought to those who live in the area."