Construction work to deliver 95 new homes at the former Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh is to start within the next few weeks after the site was sold to a national housebuilder.

Argyll and Bute Council has granted planning permission for the development of two, three and four bedroom family homes following the sale of the site to Taylor Wimpey West Scotland.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for strategic finance and capital regeneration programme, said: “This is fantastic news for the area. There are already over 50 houses and flats on another part of the site and when construction of the new homes by Taylor Wimpey West Scotland gets underway there will be a significantly increased supply of houses made available for local people and, others hoping to move to this area.

“As a council we are committed to working with Taylor Wimpey West Scotland to support our local economy and community by creating and supporting local jobs and apprenticeships.

“The funds from the sale will benefit our communities by going directly to providing services they tell us are important to them. I would also express my thanks to the council team who worked so hard to make this sale happen.”

Stephen Andrew, technical director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to confirm that we have completed our land transaction for the former Hermitage Academy site on Cardross Road with Argyll and Bute Local Council, which will allow us to build our first development in Helensburgh.

“We hope to begin pre-construction works within the next few weeks and naturally we will keep the local community informed of our planned site start that will mark the first milestone of this exciting development.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing forward a development that offers buyers a great choice of new family homes in range of sizes and styles to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Securing this development marks our ongoing commitment, investment and strong track record of delivering excellent quality developments of family homes right across the west of Scotland.”