No formal offers have yet been made for the Helensburgh’s waterfront site, council officials have revealed – and they have been urged to consider ‘less car-centric’ plans for the town.
In a leaflet distributed to local households, the Scottish Green Party also voiced concerns about the closure of the RS McColl store in Churchill in January, and the proposed Taylor Wimpey housing site in upper Helensburgh.
Responding, an Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said no decision had been made on the waterfront as no firm offers had been received.
The site has been on the market since mid-January.
Read more: Helensburgh waterfront site for sale ‘with favourable planning status’
The Scottish Green Party gained its first ever seat on the council in the May 2022 election, when Luna Martin was elected to the Oban North and Lorn ward.
In the leaflet, they said: “Recent events illustrate the need and community support for less car-centric planning in Helensburgh.
“As a result of Morrisons taking over McColl’s, the store/post office on the Churchill estate has closed. The ex-military estate is a poorly served part of Helensburgh.
“McColl’s is the only shop near the estate. The Post Office is an important local service, and the only source of free cash and electricity recharges nearby. More than 1,600 people signed a petition.
“There is local concern about the Helensburgh Waterfront site created by the demolition of the old swimming pool.
“Argyll and Bute Council has asked for ‘expressions of interest’ in the sale or lease of this iconic public space for a large retail development, without involving the local community.
“There is evidence that this proposal would adversely affect Helensburgh independent retail – there are already empty shops.
“It would reduce the parking available for the leisure centre. The site could be a magnificent public leisure space.”
The leaflet also said that Taylor Wimpey plans for nearly 400 homes on the golf course had generated many objections.
“The development includes spaces for more than 700 cars, but no proposals for enhanced services – schools, doctors, shops, public transport, growing spaces,” it adds.
“The only shop within walking distance is the (now closed) McColl’s.
“Local people need local shops, not glossy new retail. They need better public transport and local amenities, and they need to be involved from the beginning in planning for people before cars.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to major regeneration across Argyll and Bute to help create jobs, deliver new homes and attract investment to the area.
“We are currently inviting expressions of interest for all options to deliver new development at the waterfront. The aim is to complement the existing town centre offering and new leisure centre, recently shortlisted for a national planning award.
“As part of our ongoing work to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, climate friendly travel options are a key consideration of the development. This includes expanding our current electric vehicle charging points and active travel routes in and around Helensburgh.
“There is no decision on what this will look like just yet as we have not received any formal offers at this stage.
“When appropriate, we will hold a public consultation and engage with all interested parties.”
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey and Helensburgh Golf Club said: “Our planning application is currently being considered by Argyll and Bute Council and we welcome engagement from all statutory consultees and local political groups, ahead of its determination.
“We would like to reassure the local community that the comments raised are reviewed by our team of external experts as part of the planning process. We fully appreciate the level of detail that has been considered by all consultees and local political groups, of this submission to the council.”
Car-centric? Have you tried parking as a disabled person? Odd spaces at the end of street parking areas, with poles on the pavements behind them. One hour return even though it can take disabled people longer to get around?. Want to wander along the front shops? Forget it now the car park is way back at the leisure centre, instead of directly opposite. You’ve got an aging population in the town, who have difficulty accessing it, never mind visitors! Should have saved the pier too, for the Waverley to visit the town.