ANGRY homeowners have called on councillors to reject plans to build two dozen retirement flat in Inverkip which they say would damage the amenity of their area.

Council planners are recommending approval for a controversial proposal to build three blocks of flats on disused land at the corner of Main Street and Langhouse Road.

Homedream Ltd’s application for planning permission in principle has attracted 61 objections, which include concerns about the loss of the site as an open space and the pressure development could put on local traffic and parking.

One outraged resident who lives near the site, Colin Macintosh, 62, said: “I don’t think there’s the capacity in terms of water and sewage for any more houses here.

Greenock Telegraph:

“When it rains heavy the water comes rushing down Langhouse Road and overwhelms the drains, which means it comes into my drive.

“The flooding is a major issue and I’m worried it could be worse.

“This is just going to add to the strain in the area.

“This area is supposed to be a village, but they seem to be expanding and expanding, you wonder where it’s going to end.

“I don’t think this is a good thing for the area.

“If there are more houses here parking could be a problem too, we could get overwhelmed when places like the Kip Marina have their open day or when there’s weddings on at the Hotel you already get a lot of cars. This will be too much on top of that.”

The application is set to go in front of Inverclyde Council’s Planning Board next Wednesday, with officers recommending that permission be granted subject to 19 conditions.

The Telegraph has spoken to several nearby residents who have all expressed deep concern about the plans.

Greenock Telegraph: Council planners are recommending approval for a controversial proposal to build two dozen

If permission in principle is given the go-ahead the developers would then have to submit further plans containing more detail about the project for approval.

Concerns raised by objectors include fears that the development would not be in keeping with the wider area and could impact existing views, as well as affecting privacy by overlooking surrounding areas.

The objections also outlined concerns that the project would result in a loss of the land for community use or as open space, a loss of trees, could impact traffic and parking, and also create noise and disturbance in the area.

But in their report council officers say that there are no material considerations which would justify refusing the proposal.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he felt the council should listen to the objections of local people and reject the plans.

He said: “I’ve heard that there were over 60 objections and I honestly think the actual number of people upset about this will actually be higher than that.

“It just doesn’t make sense to push ahead with this when the community doesn’t want it.

“Why not use the land for the community rather than overcrowding this place?

“I can see this putting more pressure on the roads and creating a massive traffic and parking headache.”

The site previously contained a community building with an equipped play park, but this has now been removed and the area has become overgrown.

A design statement prepared by Nicholson McShane Architects as part of the original application claims that the development would have ‘little or no effect’ on the amenity of neighbours. 

They state: “The submission is for planning permission in principle for a development comprising retirement flats on the ground.

“In support of this intended application, we have prepared a notional proposal for information purposes to demonstrate how a proposal of this type might be accommodated on the site.

“This proposal is based on three discrete blocks varying in height between two and three storeys set back from the footway to reflect and tie in with the urban form.”

All flats would be served by lifts, with a proportion also wheelchair accessible, and there would be 35 car parking spaces.

Nicholson McShane’s statement adds: “The proposal will potentially provide a valuable contribution to Inverclyde Council's desire to promote town-centre based residential accommodation for older people and those with mobility issues, helping alleviate the pressure to release ground outwith the settlement boundary.”