PLANNING bosses are recommending councillors accept Scottish Government verdicts on how the area develops for years to come.

The planning committee will consider this week amendments by the government's reporter on the West Dunbartonshire local development plan (LDP2), the first new guidance in a decade.

A clash between councillors and the government over a bid for homes in Hardgate blocked the last plan. But this time the reporter agreed with the council to oppose the development at Duntiglennan Fields.

Although the government made other changes to the LDP2, council officers are recommending councillors accept them and put it through to the full council.

Planning bosses also said any furhter delays to the process after so long could risk more appeals of applications.

But even if councillors agree this week, there will still be months ahead to the process. The council has to advertise its plan to adopt the LDP2, then submit it to Scottish ministers. The council can adopt it 28 days after sending it to the government, but then advertises again that it's been adopted, followed by six weeks during which it could be challenged at the Court of Session.

The government's reporter agreed that Young's Farm in Dumbarton should not be used as a future stadium for Dumbarton FC.

They also kept a site at Main Street, Jamestown, for housing as well as at The Glebe in Old Kilpatrick, despite objections.

Some changes were made to developments at the former Exxon and Scott's yards, Carless and Bowling Basin, all related to "text, development strategy, policies and maps".

Minor changes were made to the Dumbarton and Alexandria town centre plans, and further changes to Lomondgate Business Park showing it as mixed use.

The reporter concluded there was a shortage of land for housing in Clydebank but only because of the time it will take to fully develop Queens Quay. Planners and SNP councillors had argued they had to hand over land off Strauss Avenue, in Linnvale, for new homes to ensure Duntiglennan would remain green belt. But the government disagreed and said it wasn't suitable.

The planning committee will vote on the next stage for LDP2 in a virtual meeting on Wednesday.