CAMPAIGNERS today hit out at councillors who passed controversial plans for 27 flats on the site of a fire-damaged historic building in Port Glasgow.

Muir Homes have been given the green light to reconstruct, partially demolish and build new properties at the former Broadstone House Hospital in their Castlebank development after a 6-2 vote in their favour.

The board was told that just a few homes remain to be built from the 31-property phase two of the surrounding Castlebank development and that, under the conditions of planning permission granted for the site, the third phase of 42 houses cannot go ahead until work starts on converting Broadstone.

Planning officials and Historic Scotland believe that the ‘compromise’ proposal is the only economically viable option and say they feared the building would be a total loss otherwise. 

Board convener David Wilson said: “This is one of the most difficult applications I’ve have faced in my eight years on the board. 

“Councillors felt the best option was to proceed the application as it stood in spite of opposition from residents who were very firmly against it.

“There is a big onus now on Muir Homes to start the final phase and finish the development of Broadstone House.

“There is no excuse for Muir Homes to walk away from the site.”

Castlebank residents — who had formed a campaign group to fight the move, — have hit back, saying they are disgusted by the decision to demolish the historic building.

Group chairman Bernie Hunt said: “We are very disappointed that an A-listed building will be demolished and will be removed from the Inverclyde landscape.

“Residents were informed by Muir Homes that Broadstone House would be restored to its original form.

“We have been let down by the builder but but further to that we are disgusted by Inverclyde planning officials and with each councillor on that board, with the exception of two, in particular Innes Nelson who during the meeting said he had spoken to residents and the community who live on the estate and said the application was contrary to their wishes.

“The developer has missed a great opportunity to retain and maintain an original building which was unique due to its character and lineage.”

The building was badly damaged by a deliberate fire in July 2004. 

Historic Scotland had ordered the builder to put Broadstone House on the market in a bid salvage the building but there was no interest.

During the debate at the board meeting Cllr Nelson opposed the application on two grounds.

He said: “This unsympathetic proposal in Hollybush Lane is unacceptable, as the proposed building would be incompatible with the character and amenity of the area.

“The proposed development of a block of flats adjacent to the remaining sections of the listed building contradicts local planning policy.”

But Councillor James McColgan said: “The application doesn’t reflect the former prestige of Broadstone House but if it is refused it will be sitting there in another year or two and the area will still be a building site.”

Board colleague Math Campbell-Sturgess said: “It looks awful. The amenity is not enhanced. It seems more in keeping with a modern art gallery.”

Councillor Vaughan Jones said the design was so out of keeping with the original building that existing residents on the estate ‘would be heartbroken’.

Councillor Terry Loughran said: “It’s a Marmite building — you like it or you hate it but it’s the only show in town.”

He added Historic Scotland were happy with the application and said it was time to move forward. 

Broadstone House dates back to 1870 when it was built for John Birkmyre, of the Gourock Ropework Company, and his wife, and in 1923 it became a hospital.

It is understood that Muir Homes bought the property, built by architect David Bryce — who was also responsible for such landmark buildings as Fettes College in Edinburgh — at auction for £725,000 in 2001.

The Birkmyre family contributed considerably to the Inverclyde area as owners of the ropeworks and their community spirit was demonstrated again following John Birkmyre’s death in 1910 when they gifted Broadstone House to the people of Port Glasgow.

It then became Broadstone Hospital ,providing mental health support to people until it closed down in 1990.