The £40million transformation of Bellsmyre moved closer last week, as developers applied for permission to build 140 new homes in the area.
Caledonia Housing Association submitted their proposals after public consultation events showed high levels of community support for redeveloping the area – a move which will see many of Bellsmyre’s unpopular tenements replaced.
The new properties include eight, four-bedroom semi-detached houses, 76 two and three-bedroom terraced houses and 64 one and two-bedroom cottage flats. The full application also includes homes for wheelchair users with two accessible two-bedroom flats incorporated in the scheme.
New community facilities such as open spaces, play areas and an extension to the network of paths and cycleways also form part of the plan, whilst every home will have access to green spaces and parking.
Caledonia’s application is the second stage of the wider Bellsmyre Regeneration scheme which started with the building of 66 homes on an adjacent brownfield site at Muir Road.
After receiving the green light from councillors in 2020, work got underway on the Muir Road development in March. The area is due for completion by summer next year, with most of the new homes throughout the development set to be taken by existing tenants.
Andrew Kilpatrick, director of assets at Caledonia HA, said: “We have developed this housing plan with extensive consultation with the residents and planners to ensure we satisfy the need for high quality and affordable accommodation in the area.
“We have also worked hard to create a regeneration plan that not only provides a home but also connects with the local environment and creates a sense of community.”
Dilveer Kaur Hoonjan from ECD Architects, who have designed the plans, added: “The Bellsmyre regeneration development provides a range of new homes with a design that takes inspiration from traditional Scottish architecture with the addition of modern detailing.
“Key gateways and corners of the site are celebrated by variation of materials, colour and additional design features.
“The buildings are positioned to fit the topography of the site, whilst taking advantage of the wonderful views of the Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills.
“A key priority in the design of the masterplan was to ensure ample public open space was provided, with pedestrian linkages to existing open spaces to enhance the green network in the Dumbarton area.”
The plans are expected to be considered by the council’s planning committee in the new year.
