PLANS to carry out work on buildings in the centre of Helensburgh identified as ‘priority repair projects’ have been given the green light by council officials.

Applicant Nick Peacock sought permission from Argyll and Bute Council for a range of fabric repairs to the buildings at 1, 3 and 5 Colquhoun Street and 25-26 West Clyde Street.

The proposals include repairs to stonework, lead and the slate roof as well as to cast iron rainwater goods, associated timber repairs, rot works on the roof and the installation of new windows, door and roof lights.

The buildings have been chosen as ‘priority building repair projects’ in the Helensburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), under which £2 million is being made available by the council and Historic Environment Scotland.

The CARS priority buildings – identified by the council in February 2022 – are at 5-7 East Clyde Street, 17-19 West Clyde Street, 25/26 West Clyde Street, and 5 Colqhoun Street.

The council officer dealing with the application said in a handling report: “One objection was received on this application.

“However, I consider all the proposed works represent an improvement to the appearance and fabric of the building and will have a positive impact upon the character and appearance of the conservation area and the fabric of the buildings.

“The council's vision is to make our main towns better places to live and the works to prominent town centre buildings are consistent with that vision. The application is therefore entirely consistent with the relevant provisions of the Development Plan.”

The one objector was Helensburgh resident Graham Walker, who said he believed public money should be spent on “more appropriate projects” and that the properties in the application had been “left to fall into disrepair”.

Mr Walker said: “The owners have left this property to rot over 15 years with no maintenance at all. Now it will be upgraded and then rented out for an income yet ago.

“We have a clock tower that is falling down, our children have no skate park, but the council is willing to throw money at properties that are owned by companies.

“I have to upkeep my property, so why should these owners be any different?”

However, despite Mr Walker's concerns, the application was approved by council officials.

In a design statement submitted along with the application, Glasgow-based firm ZM Architecture said: “The buildings are significant in terms of townscape and make an important contribution to the streetscape due to their corner position and location opposite the pier entrance and esplanade.

“Their relationship and setting, relative to the Category B listed building Colquhoun Chambers opposite, is important in terms of defining the entry sequence into Colquhoun Street, and the wider vista onto Colquhoun Square.

“Whilst these buildings are not listed, their role in the greater streetscape cannot be underestimated and both are at risk of further structural dilapidation and potential loss through continued decay or regulatory enforcement.”

The design statement also says that signs of water ingress were apparent at two of the properties, and adds that “it is considered that there will be a varying degree of certainly wet rot but potentially dry rot as well”.