In an extraordinary turn of events yesterday, Argyll and Bute Council decided it must hold a public consultation about its intention to sell prime waterfront land for supermarket development because it is not certain that the land is theirs to dispose of - after spending £75,000 of public funds on legal costs to defend its decision not to hold a public consultation about this in the Court of Session last October.

In August 2024 - almost two years ago - Argyll and Bute Council gave the go ahead to a developer to build a supermarket on a beautiful and prime location on Helensburgh’s waterfront, near the leisure centre.

Thousands of us, across Helensburgh and surrounding areas, have objected, concerned that this development threatens the livelihoods of local businesses and the site’s potential to be a vibrant community space.

Thank you for signing the petition. Thank you for taking part in the human chain around the proposed site in October 2024. Thank you for donations to fund our campaign.

Despite the significant level of concern from residents, Argyll and Bute Council has been determined to proceed. It has refused to meet the Community Council to discuss our concerns directly and it spent £75,000 of public funds on legal costs to defend its decision not to hold a public consultation about this decision.

This latest twist in the tale is a result of legal advice that throws doubt on whether Helensburgh’s Pier, which includes the proposed supermarket site, is in fact land that can only be used for the common good. This means it cannot be sold without a proper process and community involvement, as a result of the public funds used to buy it in 1838.

Helensburgh Community Council believes that the pier site remains Common Good land to this day. There is no evidence that the land was ever formally removed from the Common Good account, nor that it was transferred for a statutory purpose that would change its status.

The land has continued to be used for public benefit for more than a century, from its early role as a pier and harbour to its more recent use for community leisure, including open space for community events, popular skateboard park, free car parking, much-loved swimming pool, recognised Sea Kayak Trail, as well as the continued use of the pier by PS Waverley.

The forthcoming public consultation is an overdue and important opportunity for our views about the sale of this prime land for a supermarket development to be heard.

If you want to safeguard the site for community benefit for future generations and stop the development of a supermarket in this location, you need to take part.

Helensburgh Community Council will be at the forefront of campaigning to make sure each and every person in Helensburgh can participate in the consultation when it opens on Monday. Watch this space!

Thanks for your support,

Polly and everyone from Helensburgh Community Council

Photo credit: Kath Polley