PERMISSION to build more than 70 new homes on the former site of West Dunbartonshire Council office in Dumbarton has been approved.

A planning application for the residential development at Garshake Road for 76 three and four-bedroom homes was brought before the authority’s planning committee last week.

Members heard from objectors who were afraid that the new development would invade their privacy by overlooking their back garden. There were also concerns that use of the retaining council wall as a boundary between domestic properties could be a source of conflict.

Brian and Donette Love said: “We don’t object to anything to do to with the upgrade of the area.

“All we ask is that the houses they are building are the same as the rest and that’s a garden’s length away from our boundary. We are the only ones where the gable end is right on our fence line.”

A council officer confirmed that there had been some suggestion about forming a footpath along the east side of the site which would be sandwiched between the new development and the back garden next to it.

The footpath could however lead to crime and antisocial behaviour which the government guidelines oppose, and that pedestrian access should be well lit and open.

SNP councillor Karen Conaghan said: “Having heard everything today, I have taken on board what the residents concerns are. No-one likes change and I understand where the residents are coming from.”

Following a debate, a majority of councillors agreed to grant the application.