The details of a development for 600 new houses between Oban and its neighbouring village of Dunbeg are being revealed for the first time.
Social landlord Link has submitted its “Dunbeg Development Corridor Masterplan” to Argyll and Bute Council and is holding a public event to discuss it tomorrow.
The area, between Ganavan in Oban and Dunbeg, is to be accessed by a new roundabout from the A85 Oban to Perth road at the Halfway House Filling Station.
The masterplan seeks to provide a series of connected places and spaces in a coastal woodland settlement, extending the existing communities of Dunbeg and Ganavan.
There will be a mix of houses for sale and for rent. It is hoped that they will be the catalyst for new shops, cafes and community uses.
The development is designed to enhance the existing network of walking and cycle tracks in the area.
Colin Culross, director of development and asset management said: “Link looks forward to delivering this masterplan, and working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to significantly improve the economic prospects and housing choices for the local community.”
Dunbeg Community Council has given its support to the project, while insisting that the new roundabout must be in place before the houses are built.
Sean MacIntyre, chairman, said: “The community council is behind the houses, it is just the infrastructure we are a bit concerned about at the moment.
“We realise there is a dire need for the houses in this area, I think there are more than 500 people on the housing list at the moment.
“If the roundabout doesn’t go ahead, then the traffic will have to go through the village and the community would not be happy about that. The village can’t handle another 400 cars going through it.”
A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “The council is currently working with Link Housing Association as they develop their Dunbeg Corridor Masterplan. We have big ambitions for this area.”
Regarding the new roundabout, he said: “There is an indicative allocation of £2million in the Lorn Arc programme which would, subject to a business case, be a public sector contribution to a wider project.”
The public event will take place in Dunbeg Primary School from 4pm – 7pm tomorrow. (fri)