CONTROVERSIAL plans for a residential development on the northern edge of Hardgate should be given outline approval, council officials say – despite 11 objections from people living nearby.

An application for ‘planning permission in principle’ for three or four homes on the site east of Cochno Holdings will go before the planning committee at West Dunbartonshire Council yesterday (Wednesday).

Objectors say the development, if it goes ahead, will have an adverse effect on traffic levels and road safety, will affect neighbours’ privacy, and will exacerbate existing drainage and flooding problems in the area.

They also say there is no need for new housing in the area in view of the number of homes already being built elsewhere in Clydebank, and that granting permission will result in the loss of valuable land in the green belt.

A report prepared by a council planning officer states: “Whilst the principle of residential development is acceptable, the means of access would result in the small incremental loss of green belt land.

“The loss of this land will not be highly visible and can be mitigated by strong landscaping and will not have a negative impact on the amenity and character of the area, or on the role and purpose of the green belt.”