Former Caledonian MacBrayne ferry Saturn in Garvel dry dock in February 2015

DALES Marine has been given the go-ahead to use its dry dock at Garvel, Greenock for breaking up ships.

Planning officials at Inverclyde Council have agreed that the ship repair company can bid for contracts to dismantle vessels at the site.

A document submitted on the firm's behalf had stated: "The applicant is seeking to add ship recycling and dismantling to the current offer in Greenock.

"The application is to certify that the proposed use of the site for recycling ships is a lawful use and does not require planning permission.

"The current services offered by the applicant will also continue on the site. The proposed use will provide an additional potential revenue stream. This will help to ensure the ongoing commercial viability of the dry dock.

The statement continued: "The vessels will be dismantled to smaller parts and categorised for the purposes of recycling, refurbishment and reuse, as appropriate.

"Materials will be stored temporarily on-site in skips before being transported off-site for further processing by separate licensed operators. No new physical infrastructure will be required for this proposed use."

Dales will also need a waste management licence from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. The number of vessels which can be dismantled on the site will be depend on the licence which sets limits on how much waste can be accepted.

Sail training ship Stavros S Nirachos at Garvel in February 2015