HELENSBURGH Community Council has urged residents and businesses to take part in the consultation on the future of the town’s Waterfront site.
Argyll and Bute Council launched the survey, which consists of two questions, this week, seeking opinions on proposals for the area in front of the town’s leisure centre.
The plans include a one-storey supermarket, three smaller retail units, a skatepark area and additional parking. The proposal is open through Argyll and Bute Council’s website until Monday, August 10.
The community council said in a statement that it was important that residents responded and made their views known to the local authority.
Convener Peter Brown said: “We have six weeks to protect our common good land at the waterfront and stop a supermarket development on this site.
“We know the community doesn’t want it sold for a supermarket – and we ask everyone to take five minutes to respond to the online consultation.”
He then said: “We recommend you respond with the following precise wording to minimise any confusion: ’I object to the proposed disposal of the Helensburgh Waterfront common good land. I do not support any sale or commercial development, including for a supermarket.
“’The site has not lost its common good character. This land should remain protected as common good property and be retained for the benefit of the people of Helensburgh.
“’I ask the council to preserve its common good status and ensure it continues to be used for public benefit and public use.’
“If you can add a sentence or two about why this land matters to you and how you use it, that would be even better.
“We know the community feels that our voice has been ignored by Argyll and Bute Council, on this issue and many other occasions. We mustn’t give up now.
“Once sold, common good land is lost forever. The Waterfront site has so much potential to improve our town, support local businesses and provide a vibrant public space.
“Ask your friends, family and neighbours to take part.”
Argyll and Bute Council said on launching the consultation: “Helensburgh Waterfront is being redeveloped in phases as part of a masterplan that has been shaped by public views and developed over a number of years.
“The next phase is the redevelopment of the site of the former swimming pool and adjacent car parking for commercial use/car parking to complete the agreed masterplan. This area is the subject of this consultation and extends to 1.38 acres (5,600sqm) or thereby.
“The proposal from the preferred developer (Forrest Developments Ltd) for this commercial area is for the development of a single storey local supermarket along with three small retail units, a skatepark area and additional car parking.
“No decision has been taken at this stage on the sale of the site and the background above along with the consultation responses will assist the council to decide how to proceed.”
