Masterplans covering two of the highest profile development sites in Helensburgh will be discussed by councillors later this week.

Argyll and Bute’s Executive agreed last month that the existing Pier Head Masterplan be amended and updated and a new Masterplan be developed for the former Hermitage Academy site.

These documents, which contain different draft development options for the sites, will now be discussed by the Executive on Thursday. Councillors are recommended to approve the drafts and issue them for a period of public consultation on Friday.

The masterplans will provide an important element of the planning framework which will inform proposals for these two sites.

Councillor Vivien Dance, chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, said the revision had provided the opportunity to update the plans to take account of developments in Helensburgh over the last two years and the current economic climate.

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“These documents are absolutely vital in terms of what the public considers should be the future direction of development in the town,” she added.

“The masterplans, if approved, will provide a coherent and deliverable planning framework which will inform any individual development proposals for these two sites.

“This is a very exciting time for Helensburgh. There are significant potential development opportunities on the horizon which could transform the town’s economy, and our job is to ensure that whatever decisions are eventually made are based on the strongest possible foundations and public consultation.

“That’s why it is so important that we get these masterplans right. I very much hope that the Executive agrees the drafts on Thursday so that we can kick off the public consultation and hear the views of the people of Helensburgh and the surrounding area.”

A number of elements fed into the masterplans’ revision process. These include feedback from focus groups drawn from residents of the Helensburgh and Lomond area, the requirements and deliverability of the proposed swimming pool and associated leisure facility, flood prevention measures on the pier, public realm improvements, an updated Helensburgh Retail Study, a proposal by Dunbritton housing association to build new affordable housing on part of the former Hermitage Academy site and the changed residential and commercial property market.

(GK)