PLANS to build 58 affordable homes in Balloch have been approved by councillors.

At a recent meeting of the planning committee at West Dunbartonshire Council, members agreed unanimously to the proposal.

Now, work can begin on the homes, which will be on the site of the former Haldane Primary School.

The homes, which have been designated for affordable housing, include 20 one bed flats and eight two bed flats - two of which will be wheelchair accessible.

A further eight four bed and 16 three bed detached homes will also be created, along with four new detached houses with four bedrooms each.

At Wednesday's meeting, officers detailed the plans, as well as showing a video "flythrough" of a 3D model of the proposed development.

As mentioned in last week's Reporter, planning officers urged councillors to back the plans.

READ MORE: Councillors asked to approve 58 affordable homes in Balloch

In a report put before the councillors at the meeting, council officers praised the design of the project, which they say would be a benefit to the area.

The report said: "The proposed development would have a strong frontage with Miller Road.

“This would enhance the current street scene, complement the existing residential character and add vibrancy and vitality to this area of Haldane.”

Despite the praise from planners for the proposals, almost 20 conditions have been slapped on the application, which must be complied with in during construction.

The conditions include the limitation of hours that builders are able to work to between 8am and 6pm during the week, 8am and 1pm on a Saturday, and no work at all on Sundays or public holidays.

Another condition states the local authority must carry out a noise impact assessment on the site before any building work occurs.

During the meeting, only one question was asked of planners about the proposals, with Labour councillor Lawrence O'Neill asking about the accessibility of the property for people in wheelchairs, which planners were able to clarify to his satisfaction.

The site has lain empty since the closure of the school in 2017, when an emotional farewell was bid the former institution.

Councillor Diane Docherty, who chaired the meeting, said: “I was pleased to see plans for bringing this site back into use and in such a meaningful way for our residents.

“A site with 58 new affordable homes for rent will make a big difference to the community of Haldane.

“The application has been well thought-out and I’m pleased to see it has taken consideration of the residents’ viewpoints and their desire for the new homes to have clear links with the park.”