PLAN To Set Aside Land For Hundreds Of New Houses In Upper Port Glasgow

INVERCLYDE planners believe large parts of Port Glasgow Industrial Estate should be earmarked for hundreds of new houses.

Officials drawing up a new development plan for the district say the sprawling commercial site is one of their preferred options for additional residential land.

They state that there would be room for up to 500 properties spread over several parts of the upper Port Glasgow business park.

Land to the east of Knocknairs Street, which has a concentration of vacant or derelict units, had already been accepted as a housing opportunity but the new proposal increases the area for potential residential development.

A report by planners states that several of the site owners are seeking a comprehensive masterplan approach for the future of the industrial estate.

They continue: “Their submissions point out that parts of the estate are currently in poor condition, with several derelict buildings deterring businesses from locating within the estate, whilst also having a negative impact upon the surrounding area.

“In order to make the estate more attractive to potential users, as well as securing the existing employers currently in operation, it is proposed to remove the derelict and unviable industrial units and replace these, where required.

“In order to cross-fund these improvements, additional residential development is suggested to the south of Dubbs Road and on land to the north and northwest of Gareloch Road (north west corner of site).”

Officials back the masterplan approach saying it is “the appropriate tool for engaging all owners and identifying the appropriate balance and layout of supported use”.

Planners give the details in their main issues report which is the first stage in the preparation of Inverclyde’s new development plan. The report is currently out for public consultation until the end of the month.