A new council plan has identified land in West Dunbartonshire for the construction of more than 5,000 new homes, as well as 50 hectares where industrial and business development can take place.

The proposed Local Development Plan outlines policies and proposals for the use of land in West Dunbartonshire for the period up to 2019 and beyond, but excludes the area within the National Park.

The Plan aims to create a balance between the development of the local economy and communities, plus protect the environment.

The local authority is now giving local residents the opportunity to comment on the proposals before the consultation closes on 29 November.

Proposals for Clydebank include: a new superstore on the Playdrome site and new leisure centre next to the College; mixed use development of the Queens Quay site, with predominantly housing; remediation of the Carless site in Old Kilpatrick, with a range of uses acceptable; and housing development on land at Duntiglennan in Duntocher.

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Proposals for Dumbarton include: support for the High Street and refurbishment of the Artizan Centre; mixed use development throughout the town centre and waterfront area; a new footbridge across the River Leven from the town centre; additional land for residential development at Lomondgate; support for Dumbarton FC to investigate the suitability of Young's Farm for a new stadium; and a new cemetery on Garshake Road.

Proposals for the Vale of Leven include: a new foodstore in Alexandria town centre; housing development on land at Stirling Roadin Bonhill; and an extension to Vale of Leven Cemetery.

Proposals for Bowling and Milton include: canalside and woodland housing at Bowling Basin, along with a linear park, and commercial development centred on restored railway arches; and business and industrial development on the Esso Bowling site, with the option of residential development on Scott's Yard and an A814 link road serving the site.

General proposals of the Plan include: support for the further investigation of a canal link between the River Clyde and Loch Lomond; identification of a Local Landscape Area covering the Kilpatrick Hills; and promotion and enhancement of the 'green network'.

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill, Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee, said: "This is an exciting document that shows how we can make the most of our land to generate new housing and regeneration in West Dunbartonshire.

"It captures the feedback from many local people in the past year and gives us a vision of what could happen in this area over the next ten years."

(JP/CD)