CONTROVERSIAL plans to build rented housing for elderly people in Braeside could get the go-ahead next week.

Link Housing want to transform the former St Gabriel’s Primary site into accommodation for pensioners.

Their proposal is for 23 one and two-bedroom flats plus a three-bedroom bungalow off Juno Terrace.

The properties will have grey metal single sloping roofs and the blueprint includes the same number of off-street parking places.

Inverclyde Planning Board will decide whether to give the development the green light at a meeting on Wednesday. 

Councillor David Wilson, who is chair of the planning committee, is also a board member of Link and as such he will abstain from the meeting.

Mr Wilson said: “I overwhelmingly support it. It’s the kind of housing we need.

“It will release larger properties for families. 

“Pensioners are not affected by the bedroom tax so there is no need for them to move but a lot of people want to move to a smaller house with less upkeep.

“But obviously the decision will be made by the remaining members of the planning board.”

Council officials have recommended that the project should be given the go-ahead however many local residents don’t support the development and there have been a total of 40 letters opposing the plan - including a submission from Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton Community Council.

The main objections cover road safety, design and parking and over-development has also been cited.

Protestors say road safety will be affected by the formation of access onto narrow Juno Terrace which is congested with parked cars and serves as the route to other houses in Flatterton Lane.

They also argue that on-road parking will create blind spots for vehicles trying to exit the site and are against the number of houses in the street being doubled and upset about metal roofing, which they say is not in keeping with the character of the area.

If planning permission is granted Larkfield Housing Association will manage the properties.