A HOUSING developer who is seeking planning permission for 99 new homes at Duntocher has launched a premature appeal to the Scottish Government.

At the end of January, West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee agreed to recommend the refusal of the development of detached and semi-detached houses on Farm Road to a meeting of the full council, following 122 objections from local residents.

But on Wednesday, councillors heard that Barratt Homes had submitted its appeal against refusal the previous week, assuming that the application would be turned down.

And even though that was the decision made by the authority, members raised concerns that the developer had not waited for the final outcome, and asked for further conditions to be agreed as part of the refusal.

SNP councillor Ian Dickson said: “We have not even reached our final decision and Barratt Homes have submitted an appeal. That doesn’t fit in with the democratic process.”

Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill added: “They know this could have an impact on our decision. Did they give any reasons for their appeal?”

An official told Mr O’Neill the developer had argued there was insufficient land in the area to develop, and a shortfall of land for 300 houses.

Proposals would see the development of 99 houses over two of the Duntiglennan Fields which would be connected to each other by a narrow corridor.

Bailie Denis Agnew said: “Any developer could identify land that they wanted to build on. They can argue that there is a shortfall so they can get their way.”

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A further reason for the council’s refusal was that the development would exacerbate the existing traffic conditions in the area.

Councillor O’Neill continued: “This is the wrong place for the development. We need homes that are in the right area.”

Councillors have refused the planning application and Barratt Homes will continue their appeal.

Worried locals have raised their concerns, mostly about traffic problems.

Wilma Hinde said: “At certain times of the day Farm Road is a nightmare. It’s virtually a single track road with cars coming from both directions and no passing places.”

Margaret Robinson added: “It’s bad enough trying to negotiate Farm Road. More cars going up and down would make it impossible on occasions.”

But Heather Mathie said: “Personally I would love it to go ahead...would be ideal for me wanting to buy a new build house without me having to move away from my home area.”