PLANS for an empty Helensburgh site to be converted into a new house have been withdrawn after a councillor for the area expressed reservations.
Sarah Sharp’s proposal for the former 2 West Abercromby Street came as it was claimed by Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) that a previous application had been rejected three times by Argyll and Bute Council.
It has now been withdrawn, four months after the last previous documentation – a request from the council for a time extension – was published.
Councillor Corry made a neutral representation during the planning process, while one objection was lodged.
In his submission, dated Wednesday, April 9, Councillor Corry said: “We insist that this development includes the correct planting of the 12 or so replacement trees and also of a proper and decent hedge on West Abercromby Street, Helensburgh being at the front of the property.
“This was stipulated by the council to the developer when he constructed the new flats and converted the Balvaird Nursing Home.
“This was enforced by the council to some extent but the number of replacement trees which have survived is very few and of poor quality.
“So the original replanting order must be now further enforced as a requirement if this planning permission is to be approved by the council.
“This includes the roadside hedge to be vastly improved as it was before the original hedge and trees were removed by the developer.”
The councillor also asked the authority: “The original application some time ago was refused three times. What has changed in that a new planning application is before us now for the same property?”
A design statement submitted with the application said: “The proposal is for the construction of a new house located on the vacant plot at 2 West Abercromby Street.
“We have positioned the proposed house towards the existing entrance gate at the southeast of the site to provide privacy from the properties to the north and west and create a large wrap around garden. In keeping with the surrounding venacular, the proposed materials include a stone base and grey roof tile.”
