GREENOCK businessmen Sandy and James Easdale have been given permission for a massive development at the old IBM Greenock site — but with far fewer homes than they wanted.
Inverclyde councillors today backed a major mixed-use transformation of land at Spango Valley, including homes plus commercial, leisure, community and retail buildings.
But the planning board voted to limit the number of houses to 270, as recommended by planning officials.
The application by the Easdales, in conjunction with Advance Construction, sought permission for up to 450 houses.
A motion by Councillor Jim McEleny that approval be given in principle for up to 400 homes lost 5:4.
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The application involves a large part of the vacant land at Spango Valley but a further area of the old IBM site has a different owner who has yet to submit plans.
The number of houses allowed at the whole IBM site under Inverclyde planning policies is 420.
Councillor McEleny had argued that increasing level on the Easdales’s section was acceptable in order to make the development viable and secure economic and environmental benefits for the area.
Officials have been trying to get the two owners to work together on a comprehensive masterplan, without success.
The Easdale application was for planning permission in principle. Further applications will be required to be submitted for approval in relation to detailed proposals.
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