West Dunbarton Council's Planning Committee has given the go ahead for a £3 million redevelopment of Clydebank Community Sports Hub.

The plans will see the existing clubhouse in Whitecrook significantly increased in size and the creation of a floodlit all-weather pitch and 10 community allotments.

The development is expected to start early next year.

Clydebank Community Sports Hub was set up in 2011 and includes Clydebank Rugby Club, Clydebank GTF Tae Kwon Do, Glasgow Gaels Gaelic Football Club and Kilpatrick Thistle Football Club.

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill, Convener of Planning, said: "This is an exciting development for Whitecrook which has already attracted significant investment from external funders. The creation of a dedicated Community Sports Hub will provide fantastic opportunities for local residents and help to improve the wellbeing of the community. Our Active Schools programme will benefit from this facility too, as we continue to promote increased participation in our schools."

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As well as redeveloping the pavilion and sports pitches the existing 26-space car park will be upgraded to provide 99 spaces. In addition, coaches attending the facility will be required to use a drop-off point on Cochno Street to avoid causing congestion in Dean Street.

A number of local residents had objected to the development due to concerns about increased noise and traffic, but the Committee was content that these issues could be addressed during the design process. A management plan will also be introduced to assist with running the facility.

Provost Douglas McAllister, Vice Convener of Planning, said: "As well as creating a first-class sports facility which will support residents of all ages and abilities to get involved in sport and physical activity, this project will have wonderful community benefits. The creation of allotments, including one for Whitecrook Primary, will provide another dimension to the site and has the potential to become a real focal point for the community."

The Council is investing £850,000 into the Clydebank Community Sports Hub project, with additional funding already secured from the Scottish Government (£1m), Sportscotland (£500,000), the Gaelic Athletic Association (£300,000), The Robertson Trust (£100,000), and Scottish Rugby Union (£40,000).

Community Sport Hubs are Sportscotland's model for developing community sport across Scotland.

(MH)