The proposal to build a new ambulance station at Helensburgh's Victoria Infirmary has been approved.

The Argyll and Bute Local Review Body’s (LRB) decision to agree the Scottish Ambulance Service's application follows both a site visit and a local hearing.

The new station will be located adjacent to the Category B-listed Victoria Infirmary, which was designed by William Leiper and dates back to 1895.

LRB Chair Councillor Daniel Kelly said: "There has always been an extremely persuasive argument in terms of health care provision for a new local ambulance station in Helensburgh.

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"Our view, having carefully considered all the issues, is that the benefit this development will bring in terms of health is a major material consideration which outweighs the relatively minor impact the new building will have on the existing Victoria Infirmary.

"We have imposed conditions on the consent which will ensure that the new ambulance station does not impact on the main features of the listed building, which has in any case had many additions and alterations over the years.

"There has been a tremendous strength of support in Helensburgh and the surrounding area for a new local ambulance station for some time, and I am sure this decision will be welcomed by the community."

(CD/NS)