A FORMER church in Clydebank will be demolished to make way for the development of 24 residential flats.

Planning permission for two and three-bedroom flats, which will be run by Clydebank Housing Association, have been approved on the site of St Cuthbert’s Church at Dalton Avenue by West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee.

The development will consist of two, three-storey high blocks joined together by a single storey section to form an L-shaped building.

The building will face onto Dalton Avenue and will overlook a 24-space carpark to the south west of the site that will serve the development.

Vehicles will be able to enter the flats via Attlee Avenue with a number of footpaths providing pedestrian access.

Concerns have been raised by the Linnvale and Drumry Community Council (LDCC) on behalf of local residents.

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They object to the location of the vehicle access as they are concerned that it will reduce the number of on-street parking spaces on Attlee Avenue.

Stuart Gray, a Linnvale resident, said: “The concerns of Linnvale residents have once again been ignored, without fair explanation. LDCC argued that it would make more sense to take the car park entrance off Dalton Avenue, as then the entry would be opposite an existing car park entrance for Attlee Place.

“There are no houses at this location and thus no residents’ cars parked here on Dalton Avenue and access to the new car park would be unimpeded.

“LDCC did not oppose the housing application as such, but did express surprise that only 24 parking spaces were provided for the 24 houses. Under current legislation, the St Cuthbert site should really have 32 vehicle parking spaces.”

Despite concerns from locals, members of the planning committee agreed that the proposed development which will result in the removal of a vacant building will see the construction of much needed affordable housing within an existing residential area.

They agreed: “The building has a quality, modern design that will contribute positively to the character and appearance of the local area. It will provide new homes within an established community with excellent access to public transport and to the town centre.”