With its proximity and connectivity to the central belt, the wider Helensburgh area has been identified as a key area for growth in the council’s Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2). To support this, work is now underway to develop a Strategic Development Framework (SDF) that will guide sustainable development over the next 20 to 40 years.
The HSDF will act to identify, and co-ordinate actions required to deliver strategic growth over a 20 to 40 year period. Through consultation and collaboration, it will identify preferred locations for strategic growth, taking into account identified constraints to delivery. The HSDF will provide key evidence which will inform the preparation of LDP3 which, once adopted, will embed the Framework into the statutory Development Plan.
LDP2 Proposal B sets out that a review of the Helensburgh and Lomond Green Belt boundaries will be carried out across the Cardross - Helensburgh - Garelochhead corridor. Preliminary desk-based assessments have focused the Strategic Development Framework towards a smaller number of targeted areas around Helensburgh and Cardross to facilitate strategic growth.
The HSDF will involve evidence gathering and early engagement with partners and stakeholders in order to establish the strategic land requirement; carry out a review of the areas between and around Helensburgh and Cardross; as well as prepare an Environmental Baseline Report and Infrastructure Report. Thereafter, the proposed HSDF and draft Delivery Programme will be produced, along with any required Impact Assessments, and subject to a formal consultation as part of the LDP3 process. The documents will be modified as required following analysis of the consultation responses and require final Member approval.
Project Documents:
- HSDF Community Engagement Presentation
- HSDF Landscape Study
- HSDF Urban Capacity Study.pdf
- HSDF Transport Baseline.pdf
Get Involved:
On Wednesday 26th November 2025 the project team engaged with communities to help develop the long- term vision for the sustainable growth and development of the Helensburgh area. Members of the public were invited to attend this event at the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre between 4pm and 7:30pm.
We are remaining open for views until Friday 19 December. Please email any comments to ldp@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Additionally, paper forms are being made available in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre along with a post-box.
