REPAIRING ships at Govan Graving Docks would dilute the area’s transformation, according to the site’s owner.

Harry O’Donnell made the claim as he shunned suggestions of teaming up with billionaire shipping tycoon Jim McColl.

Mr O’Donnell’s firm New City Vision have applied for permission ‘in principle’ to create up to 750 new homes, a heritage centre, offices and a restaurant on the site.

That’s despite Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have insisted that development would be susceptible to flooding.

Earlier this year, Ferguson Marine – owned by Mr McColl – put forward alternative plans to create a ship repair station, a museum, homes and public spaces on the site.

But when asked if there could be a joint application, Mr O’Donnell said: “If we’re talking about Jim McColl’s proposal to build on our site, we’ve not had any discussion with anyone from his side.

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“Our view has always been that there are a number of sites further down the Clyde that are more appropriate for what he wants to do.

“Both north and south of the river we’ve got exciting developments coming forward. My view is putting shipbuilding in the heart of that dilutes the thrust of what we’re trying to create.”

In April, Mr McColl’s lead-architect Maurice Hickey claimed that Ferguson Marine’s plans could see super yachts, passenger ferries and river taxis cruising up the Clyde.

Mr Hickey insisted that upwards of £20million would be spent on the venture, despite the site being owned by New City Vision.

As part of New City Vision’s plans, at least 100 of the new houses would be classed as affordable homes.

There would also be plans for a hotel and a training centre for ex-offenders and those looking to get into work.

But those proposals have hit a stumbling block after SEPA submitted an objection in principle, claiming that the plans “may place buildings and persons at flood risk”.

Speaking to members of the Govan Area Partnership yesterday, Mr O’Donnell hit back, claiming that he has hired experts who have challenged SEPA’s findings.

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He said: “If SEPA applies that argument across the city nothing will be built the length of the Clyde. It’s basically saying you can’t build something eight-and-a-half metres above water level otherwise we’re all going to work in a wetsuit.

“We’ve engaged a legal environmental team to audit the responses we’ve had from SEPA and the council’s flood risk team. They have questioned the analysis and assessments.”

Govan is currently the subject of four major development plans.

Yesterday, Drum Property Group and Social Enterprise submitted a bid to create a new £67m social hub in Pacific Quay. Those plans include restaurants, cafes, homes and a £10m whiskey distillery.

Buchanan Wharf is being earmarked as a business centre, with Barclay’s Bank already committing to developing a new headquarters there.

And plans have been lodged to build 348 homes, commercial units and food and drink premises at Glasgow Harbour, near the Transport Museum.