PLANNING Application Submitted For £97.5Million Village At Inverkip Power Station Site
PLANS to create an ‘urban village’ at the former Inverkip Power Station site have taken a step forward.
ScottishPower have applied for planning permission in principle for the 100-hectare Brueacre Village development.
Proposals include up to 650 homes, a village centre with retail, community facilities, and high-quality open spaces, including a public park and a network of foot and cycle paths. Construction investment is estimated at £97.5million.
To support the new development, the existing road network would be upgraded, including a new roundabout on the A78, which would form the main access to the site, and an upgraded junction at Inverkip North/Kip Marina.
Subject to a successful determination of the application by Inverclyde Council, ScottishPower proposes to market the site for sale as a consented development opportunity.
Aspects such as layout, scale, appearance and landscape would have to be subject of further, detailed, planning applications.
Documents submitted to the council state: “The new homes will provide diverse living options through varying house types; tenure and price range to support local needs; and of those requiring starter homes, family homes or downsizer homes. Provision of affordable housing will be discussed with Inverclyde Council during the determination period.
“The streets and spaces of the new neighbourhood will create a place which promotes community, inclusivity and well-being for residents.”
A linear coastal park will be formed along the full length of the Firth of Clyde boundary providing for active recreational activities such as cycling, walking and running, with a series of play and sitting areas along the route.
It will also be a key strategic link, connecting Inverkip to Wemyss Bay through Brueacre Village.
Brueacre Burn, a culverted water course running through the site is to be opened and will be set in an extensive area of public park.
The documents continue: “Brueacre Village is an exemplar development, setting high sustainability and design standards that are responsive to the character of the landscape. Brueacre Village will be a development which creates a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood with a strong community, ensuring a healthy, biodiverse environments which encourage physical and social well-being.”
Alan Aitkenhead, ScottishPower’s head of estates said: “A huge amount of effort has gone into getting these plans finalised for submission to the council and our thanks to everyone involved, including local people who took the time to let us know what they thought during our public consultation.
“This is an exciting development opportunity that will support the regeneration and transformation of an extensive unused site, while removing a former fossil fuel asset from our property portfolio. We look forward to seeing the proposals progress through the planning process and a determination being made in due course.”
