GOVERNMENT Take ‘Nationally Significant’ Kilmacolm Housing Decision Out Of Council’s Hands

THE Scottish Government has stepped in to decide if a controversial housing development on fields at Kilmacolm should go ahead.

Inverclyde Council is in favour of the application by Mactaggart & Mickel Homes Ltd who want to build 75 properties at Kilmacolm Meadow, west of Quarry Drive.

But Scottish Ministers have now ‘called in’ the proposal.

A report updating councillors states: “Notification was received from the Scottish Ministers that they have directed the application be referred to them for determination.

“The Scottish Ministers consider the case raises issues of national significance with regard to the interpretation and application of Scottish Planning Policy, and in view of Inverclyde Council’s interest in the proposed development, to allow further scrutiny of the reasons for proposing to approve it as a significant departure from the development plan.

“The decision on the application by the Scottish Ministers will be final.”

The council owns a small part of the site at the eastern side.

Inverclyde officials say there is a shortfall in the housing land supply in the area. As such the Quarry Drive site has been identified for residential use in the proposed new Inverclyde Local Development Plan

Nearly 500 villagers had objected to the application.