A PROPOSAL to build 145 new homes in Helensburgh will be put before councillors at a meeting next week.
Helensburgh Golf Club, Cala Management and Dunbritton Housing Association recently submitted a proposal of application notice to Argyll and Bute Council for the golf club’s current site.
The relocation of the clubhouse, and a refreshed 18-hole golf course, form part of the plans. The proposal of application notice must be valid for 12 weeks from April 21 before any formal planning permission application can be made.
Council officers have said it is “a critical matter” for any planning application to address potential impact on peat, habitat and biodiversity.
The proposal of application notice will be considered by the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, June 17.
As it is a proposal of application notice, no decision will be made on whether planning permission should be granted.
A report said: “Parts of the replacement golf holes are likely to be proposed on the designated local nature conservation site (LNCS) or in close proximity to this.
“Seeking to improve biodiversity in accordance with the National Planning Framework (NPF) 4 policy requirements will be an important requirement of any application and justification for any impacts on the LNCS.
“A best practice design approach will be expected in respect of the golf course proposals to firstly avoid impacts before mitigation is considered.
“A large TPO (tree preservation order) of ancient woodland (TPO 30) exists on the northern edge of site with a second section of this protected woodland forming a boundary on the western edge of the site following the boundary from the existing clubhouse to the north and west.
“Both this area and the tree belt to the west of the site are ancient woodland and therefore policy advice within NPF 4 policy 6 will require to be considered carefully in any future application proposals and unacceptable impacts avoided. Part of this ancient woodland are (sic) also designated as an open space protection area.
“The Old Luss Road which forms the eastern boundary of the site is a core path which provides accessibility both for residents and as part of an important wider recreational link between Helensburgh and the countryside beyond, including links to the John Muir Way, a nationally important walking route.
“Accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to Helensburgh and the wider countryside and core path network will be a substantive matter in the determination of any future planning application to encourage both sustainable transport links and passive recreation opportunities.”
The report added: “Localised flooding is known to occur on the south of the site where Old Luss Road leaves the existing golf course.
“Soft engineering drainage and SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) solutions will require to be designed to ensure the whole of the site combining both the golf course and housing site are developed to acceptable design and operational standards in respect of flooding and drainage solutions.
“Other policy or site-specific issues may arise as part of the consideration of a future application and an environmental impact assessment will be required.”
