Proposal to build 18 flats sparks objections
PLANS ARE SET FOR APPROVAL DESPITE BACKLASH
A PROPOSAL to build 18 flats near Kilmacolm’s village centre which sparked half a dozen objections from residents has been backed by planning chiefs.
Inverclyde Council officials are recommending that members of the local authority’s Planning Board grant permission in principle for the one-bedroom homes to be constructed at a site on West Glen Road.
The triangular shaped plot currently has a block of two storey cottage flats on it and a twostorey workshop building in its centre.
Planning papers indicate that the development would require all of the existing buildings on the site to be demolished.
A proposed site plan shows that the new flats would be arranged in three blocks, two of which would be parallel to West Glen Road, with the third located at the south part of the site.
Vehicles would be able to access the area from Glenburn Lane and there would be 21 parking spaces.
Seven representations have been received regarding the application, six of which objected to the plans.
Claims that the development could impact on biodiversity and bats, complaints that the flats would result in a loss of views for those nearby, and concerns about the effect the new homes will have on parking
in the wider area were among the reasons cited by those who objected.
Kilmacolm Community Council are said to have expressed concerns about the provision of parking places on the site, claiming that the new flats could ‘exacerbate existing problems’.
In their comments on the representations made, council officials have reiterated that the application is ‘in principle’ only and add that their head of roads and transportation has not raised concerns regarding the impact on the road network.
They also noted that the buildings which are to be removed are neither listed or located in a conservation area.
They are recommending that the application be given permission subject to 17 conditions, which cover issues such as parking, waste management and the provision of electric vehicle charging points.
Councillors will decide whether to approve the application at the next Planning Board meeting on April 3.