Controversial plans for a Dumbarton housing development are being recommended for approval – despite more than 200 objections from the community.
Planning chiefs say proposals for 81 new homes on the site of the former Notre Dame Convent with associated access, landscaping and parking should go ahead.
If agreed by councillors next week, the three, four and five-bed houses would be built on land surrounding Craigend House in Cardross Road.
A ‘Clifftop Coalition’ of community groups in Dumbarton West joined forces to oppose the development and include Dumbarton West Community Action Group (DWCAG), Friends of Havoc Meadows and Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore.
They say the plans will see the loss of mature trees and have adverse knock-on effects to the adjacent Havoc meadows nature conservation area.
It comes weeks after the local authority agreed to grant a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to the southern edge of the land covering the edge and top area of Brucehill Cliffs.
Councillor Iain McLaren has raised concerns over the plans, which are also at the site of the former St Michael’s Primary school, and vowed to present them at the upcoming planning hearing.
He said: “Although Wallace’s Cave and the clifftop trees now have some protection, residents remain concerned that the latest proposals still present some risks the area. I will present these concerns at the meeting of the planning committee on March 30 and urge people to voice their opinions to me, or register to attend the meeting either in person or by Zoom.”
Residents have also objected expressing concern over increased noise and disruption, privacy, traffic congestion and claim the development will result in the loss of an area of green space used by the community.
As well as 209 objections, there have also been a total of 22 representations of support from those who say the site is in desperate need of regeneration as it is an eyesore and attracts anti-social behaviour.
Slate Island Developments and Miller Homes lodged the planning application last year after the site was bought by brothers Sandy and James Easdale, owners of the McGill’s Buses firm and former Rangers directors.
West Dunbartonshire Council officers have prepared a report ahead of the planning committee meeting, saying it involves the redevelopment of a derelict brownfield site and complies with local development plans.
They also say the developers have amended their plans in a bid to protect as many trees as possible, resulting in the number of homes being reduced from 85 to 81.
Officers say the TPO areas to the south east and south west will “largely remain intact” with category A and B trees all preserved. They say the “TPO does not mean that no trees will be lost” but that significant trees are preserved and the character of the woodland maintained.
The report states: “The proposal will involve the redevelopment of a brownfield site and it represents a long-standing part of the council’s established housing land supply.
“Due to their close relationship with the clifftop environment, the trees make a very significant contribution to the visual amenity and landscape character of the area.
“The cliff, trees, plus ‘Wallace’s Cave/Havoc Hole’ set within the cliff, together form a significant local landmark and popular cultural and recreational feature within Dumbarton.
“During the consideration of the application there have been extensive discussions regarding the proposed development and its relationship with the adjacent trees and woodland protected by the above TPO.
“The presence of the TPO does not mean that no trees will be lost through the development but that the significant trees are preserved and the character of the woodland maintained.”
If agreed, a condition would be attached requiring the trees identified for removal are marked on site and the proposed buildings and road pegged out with the aim of minimising tree loss.
The report concludes: “Over the years, there have been site issues with fly-tipping, anti- social behaviour and vandalism and the residents of Craigend House have experienced this in particular.
“The development will involve the redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site to provide new housing and highly accessible open space and woodland with new footpath links for cycling and recreation.
“It will involve well designed streets promoting active travel with a range of house types and enhancing natural surveillance on the site which will make local residents feel safer and discourage crime and vandalism.”
The site has been subject to a number of planning applications over the years, including the approval of 86 homes and the conversion of the chapel into four flats but it was never implemented.
