Controversial plans for 81 new homes in Dumbarton West have been given the green light by councillors – despite receiving more than 200 objections.
The proposals, brought by former Rangers Football Club directors James and Sandy Easdale, will see Slate Island Developments and Miller Homes proceed with plans for the site of the former Notre Dame Convent.
The three, four and five-bed houses would be built on land surrounding Craigend House on 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.
The proposals also received 231 objections, with 22 comments left in support.
However, after hearing from the developers, objectors and sisters from the neighbouring Carmalite Monastery, councillors gave the proposals the green light.
Members did introduce conditions however, with an addendum from council leader Jonathan McColl adding that approval is subject to a satisfactory engineers report on confirming that the cliff will not be impacted, and that plans from developers to plant non-native invasive species - such as sea buckthorn - were scrapped.
Among those in the chamber at WDC’s Church Street HQ were four sisters from Carmalite monastery, two of whom spoke in favour of the plans.
One of the sisters said: “We’re the ones most closely affected by this proposed site.
“Having listened to all the objections, none of us want to see a historic site being lost. But, at present, we feel it’s become more and more of an eyesore.
“We think that this development will enhance the clifftop.
“No one could currently use the clifftop walk unless they had a death wish. It’s been like that for years.
“Currently the whole area is an open invitation for people to dump washing machines, fridges and furniture. Fly-tipping is the order of the day in that site at present.
“We are hoping that the new development will be allowed to move forward.”
The plans received objections from Silverton and Overtoun Community Council’s Rose Harvie, and Zoe Weir of Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore – who warned about the damaging impact changes could have on the natural habitat.
Local councillor Iain McLaren also said that residents had expressed concern over increased noise and disruption, privacy, traffic congestion and claimed the development will result in the loss of an area of green space used by the community.
Earlier this year a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for some trees at the location was granted, which saw the planned number of properties cut from 90 to 81. And members were satisfied that there would be no significant environmental impact, with the permission approved unanimously.
Backing the plans, Councillor Karen Conaghan of the SNP said: “I can probably speak with familiarity about this as a former Notre Dame girl, although it was the school across the road – not the original convent school.
“I did have concerns, but I have been given comfort today in what I’ve heard.
“There were areas of concern for me, but I’m content that these have been addressed. I would urge the applicant and the developer to work closely with council officers around the concerns that have been expressed – particularly around tree preservation and sympathetic planting.
“It’s important that this new development still allows access from the existing communities to Havoc, the river front and Havoc Meadows.
“We don’t want to have a new development in isolation that is cut off from communities. This is something we hope will enhance the area, not become something set apart from the wider Dumbarton West community.
“I’m happy that it addresses an area that has become overgrown and unsightly. It attracts anti-social behaviour and creates a nuisance.
“Changes bring challenges, but I’m hopeful that this will bring the right balance, respect for nature and respect for the existing communities.”
