Local MSP Jackie Baillie, has written to controversial Helensburgh developer, Osborne Interiors, asking them to clean up their site at Cumberland Avenue.
Jackie Baillie and Helensburgh Central Councillor, James Robb, recently visited the area, following complaints from a number of local residents over the state of the site – much of which has been fully reported here.
Earlier this year, Osborne Interiors felled a number of trees on the woodland site, which they own, citing health and safety concerns.
Argyll and Bute Council is still investigating the matter, with a view to pssible litigation and an enforcement order. The site is the subject of a number of Tree Preservation Orders.
Fed up residents contacted Jackie Bailie as the developer has failed to clear the debris from their tree cutting exercise, leaving the place an enduring eyesore.
Osborne Interiors is currently building three homes in Cumberland Avenue and are in the process of submitting a planning application to build more properties in nearby woodland at Castle Woods – a proposal exciting determined local opposition, given the developers record and Castle Woods’ status as an Open Space Protection Area.
Jackie Baillie says: ‘Whilst it is extremely regrettable that these trees were cut down without following due process – the damage has been done and the woodland in Cumberland Avenue has been torn apart.
‘I would urge Osborne Interiors to respect the residents who live in the street and that the area is maintained and kept tidy.
‘At present the mounds of debris and tree trunks, which should have been removed months ago, give the area a derelict appearance.
‘I understand that Osborne Interiors now have a number of other planning projects in the pipeline and I will watch these applications with interest before submitting my views on each proposal.’
Councillor James Robb says: ‘It beggars belief that this Open Space Protection Area which is also protected by a Tree Preservation Order has been turned into this wasteland. I have sympathy with residents who cannot understand why the developer will not act or why enforcement from the Council is taking so long.
‘This developer has also submitted a planning application to build on the Open Space Protection Area that includes Castle Woods and which is also covered by a Tree Preservation Order. This has been with the Council since 2006 and again residents are concerned that this has not been resolved.
‘I share Jackie’s concerns and I am happy to work together to represent the interests of our joint constituents and ensure appropriate development in Helensburgh is in accordance with the agreed Local Plan.’
Bl**dy h*ll – Jackie Baillie and James Robb in the same picture. They must be serious about tackling the special treatment that Osbornes gets by employing Councillor Dance and husband. Helensburgh residents can only hope so.
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Well done Jackie and James.
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Cllr Dance watch out Jackies you going to get you !
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Surely Osbornes realise that this mess is to their own disadvantage. Since last July, they have been trying to sell the new house they have been building opposite, but to no avail. They started off asking offers over £380,000, then dropped to £380,000 fixed price and in the last week have dropped again to £358,000 fixed price.
If anyone is stupid enough to want to invest £358,000 of their hard earned cash on a brand new property with this kind of view, then they can find the details at: http://www.clydeproperty.com/buying/argyll-and-bute/helensburgh/cumberland-avenue/7566.html
If Osbornes really want to sell this house without having to drop the price further, then they should take notice of what James and Jackie say and get the mess on Cumberland Avenue sorted out.
In the meantime, let’s also see some action from the council who have the necessary powers to make Osbornes clear up this site and replant the trees, even if they have to be taken to court. And what about the three other councillors for this ward, including Vivien Dance? If she was REALLY interested in representing her constituents rather than grabbing short-term headlines, she could use her direct connections with the Osbornes to get the matter sorted tomorrow. But is that asking too much?
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