SILVERTON and Overtoun Community Council (SOCC) have issued West Dunbartonshire Council with an official objection to Dumbarton's FC's proposed relocation to Young's Farm.

In a highly technical letter to the local authority's Planning Officer, Bernard Darroch, the group claim the development would "destroy a large area of peaceful and unspoilt Green Belt."

They have also expressed concerns over potential pollution from extra vehicles travelling to and from the site, the possible environmental impact towards wildlife and public transport issues associated with the proposal.

In their letter to the local authority the group said: "Silverton and Overtoun Community Council (SOCC) wishes to submit an objection to this Planning Application.

"We fail to understand how this site can remain designated as Green Belt, with a presumption against development, when almost the entire site will be developed - a large football stadium, with associated buildings, pitches, road lay-out, and 'enabling development' - namely 200 private houses."

The group also go on to express concerns about other aspects of the development, saying: "We would suggest that 200 private houses might mean up to 400 cars.

"This in addition, of course, to the vehicular traffic for the football stadium and associated buildings and facilities."

The group also feel the proposed development hasn't fully thought out pedestrian access to the site.

They said: "The pedestrian access to the whole development will either be from the new roundabout on the slip road from the A82, or the proposed emergency access road from Renton Road over the railway bridge which is extremely narrow."

They also claim the current options are not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists- even with improved lighting.

In June, The Reporter told how the club had fired the starting pistol on their proposed £14m relocation to the west end of town by submitting their planning application to West Dunbartonshire Council.

Top brass at the Sons want to move from their current base, in the shadow of Dumbarton Rock, and move to Young’s Farm.

The plan is to sell off their current base in Castle Road and move west to Young’s Farm and build a new 3,000-seat stadium.

Also part of the project are plans for as many as 200 new homes, along with leisure facilities, restaurant, gym and training facilities.

Fans’ group Sons Trust has expressed “relief” that the long-awaited application has come to light, and welcomed the fact the club will have no liability for a new stadium build.

The proposals are being driven by Brabco, the company which owns a 75 per cent stake in the club.

Club director Ian Wilson issued a statement via the club’s website at the time, which read: “Further to consultation at the end of 2016, plans have been submitted by Brabco to West Dunbartonshire Council for the relocation of the stadium from Castle Road to Young’s Farm.

“West Dunbartonshire Council will now consider the application, before making a decision in four to six months.”

In July, The Reporter told how there was a potential snag from Glasgow Airport to Dumbarton FC’s plans to build a new stadium in Renton after the airport raised concerns over structures above 15m on the site, causing problems for aircraft.

And another possible obstacle lies with archaeologists who recently revealed the remains of a medieval manor house – occupied by Robert the Bruce – could be based at the site, meaning the area could be excavated at a future date.