Residents in Cardross have hit out at revised plans for 120 new homes in the west of the village.
Cala Homes’ proposals for a new housing development near Cardross Primary School have been labelled “reckless and dangerous” by one local - who is urging Argyll and Bute Council to force the developers to widen access roads for safety reasons.
Another resident, who works as a planning consultant, accused the local authority of “bending over backwards to assist development of the site.”
The developers say that they are “committed to working with stakeholders to understand local issues as part of progressing the development” whilst the council say that no works can progress without improvements to the road.
Plans were initially introduced by Avant Homes to develop the site at Kirkton Farm on Darleith Road almost eight years ago, with the developer appealing to the Scottish Government for permission - which was granted, albeit subject to conditions that saw the plans mothballed.
Cala now hope to have certain conditions relaxed, allowing them to proceed with the development which would feature eight one-bedroom homes, 11 two-beds, 11 three beds, 14 four-beds and 76 with five bedrooms.
Thirty of the properties would be for social rent through Dunbritton Housing Association.
However the plans have been met with a furious reaction from residents, with one contacting the Lennox to outline his opposition.
In a letter sent to local councillors as well as MSPs Jackie Baillie and Brendan O’Hara, Henry Boswell said: “This development is opposed by the community due to issues of safety, access and congestion on Darleith Road, and has been ever since the original developers proposed it.
“The developers pulled out of the development as they were not prepared to fulfil the requirements for access to the site via Darleith Road (for safety and congestion issues it required widening and thus prohibitively expensive).
“Behind the communities backs, Cala have come in, in partnership with council planning and now want planning approval to move forward without addressing the congestion and safety issue or with any public consultation - no widening of the road would be required.
“This would be a disastrous and reckless development that will decimate the west end of the village. And quite frankly further reduce the faith the community has in both the council and elected officials having their best interests at heart.
“Safety and congestion are the number one priority and should be addressed accordingly. Yes this will be more expensive for the developer, but profit must not trump the community’s safety.
“It is unconscionable that A&B Council can allow this development to go ahead under the current access plans, even more so since the 2022 changes to the Highway Code which prioritise the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, which there are many out everyday on Darleith Road and many parents and school children walking and cycling to school.
“The junction of Darleith Road with the A814 has always been treacherous to negotiate. With an additional 300+ vehicle burden this is now set to be more treacherous as vehicles queue for longer to get in and out of Darleith Road. Who will be liable for the road traffic deaths at this junction?”
Darleith Road from the top of the village in its entirety currently has around 20 homes on its 1.5 mile single track route.
If approved then the development would see the number of properties increased ninefold, with more than 300 parking spaces for vehicles forming part of the plans.
A letter from planning consultant Tom McInally continues: “It is clear from the evidence provided in previous applications and appeals that Argyll and Bute Council have bent over backwards to try to assist development of this site.
“However, it is also clear that the council have not ensured public safety in the use of the core path on Darleith Road.
“In these circumstances the council are in breach of the requirements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.”
Moray Stewart, land director, Cala Homes (West), said: “Cala Homes (West) has submitted an Approval of Matters Specified in Conditions (AMSC) planning application to build 120 high quality homes including 25 percent affordable housing at a site in Cardross which already has planning permission in principle for a residential development.
“If approved, our plans will help meet local housing demand and deliver considerable community benefits.
“As part of the planning application process, we are committed to working with stakeholders to understand local issues as part of progressing the development.”
A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “Scottish Government reporters approved planning permission in principle for the development, following an appeal.
“This approval includes a number of conditions that need addressing before any development can go ahead. The developer must carry out this process through an application for Approval of Matters Specified in Condition (AMSC).
“Planning permission in principle is also subject to additional conditions, which impose restrictions on the delivery of the development.
“One of the conditions concerns existing off-site access issues on Darleith Road. It sets out a number of actions required by the developer, to address concerns raised by the council.
“This relates to road and pedestrian safety from the proposed housing development.
“The development cannot proceed until the developer addresses this condition.”
