DRAFT design codes for the much-anticipated Queens Quay development will be published online for a nine-week consultation period.

The design codes, a document that sets rules for the lay out of a new development, were only supposed to be released for a six-week discussion.

But concerns were raised by owners of the site, Clydeside Regeneration Limited (CRL) and the development’s managers, Dawn Developments Ltd, who urged members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s (WDC) planning committee to rethink codes for the masterplan.

A letter written by Paul O’Donnell, director of Dawn Developments, highlighted that these design codes are years late and could delay a core £55million development at the site.

The letter was discussed by members of West Dunbartonshire’s planning committee last Wednesday.

The Post understands CRL and Dawn will spend the next month working to ensure the latest investment can go ahead. But if they can’t resolve differences, the £55m plan could be delayed by a year.

Councillors on the committee asked if the consultation period could be extended to 12-weeks instead.

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Councillor Lawrence O’Neill said: “Given how much time and money has been invested in this project could I suggest we extend the discussion period to 12 weeks.

“In six weeks-time we will be entering the Easter break and people may not be able to take part.”

Pamela Clifford, planning, building standards and environmental health manager said she was reluctant to do that.

She said: “I think there could be an issue with that as we have got a number of developers interested in the site. We want to keep moving forward.”

Following the debate, it was agreed that the draft design codes will be published for a consultation period of nine weeks.

In his letter to the committee last week, Mr O’Donnell wrote: “There are aspects of the codes that go beyond guidelines and we firmly believe compromise our ability to attract investment into Queens Quay, which I do not believe is the intended consequence of the codes or elected members.

“CRL and Dawn share the aspirations of West Dunbartonshire Council that Queens Quay should be occupied by development of the highest quality.”

The document will be made available on the internet and in libraries to relevant organisations such as community councils, house builders, housing associations and council services.

Responses will be reported back to the committee along with the finalised version of the design codes.