A DEVELOPER is planning to build shops on a former Greenock social club site.

Proposals are in the pipeline for four retail units on land off Auchmead Road, pictured, where the old Larkfield Masonic Association (LMA) hall used to stand.

The building was demolished last year after being badly damaged by a deliberate fire in August.

The blaze left Greenock firefighter Andy Adams with life-changing injuries when a wall collapsed on him as he fought the flames. 

A planning application is now being considered by Inverclyde Council officials to redevelopment the vacant plot.

Each of the four shops would be 108 square metres in size and there would be room for 19 parking spaces on site.

The land is currently being marketed by Glasgow-based Future Property Auctions for a guide price of £350,000.

But while planning permission is being sought for retail units, the company says the plot would also be ideal for a block of flats.

It is described as a ‘rare cleared site ripe for development’.

A statement from Future Property Auctions said: “The site is ready for potential commercial or residential development, subject to all relevant consents.

“The site is big enough for four commercial units or a block of flats subject to all relevant consents.”

The LMA shut down suddenly in November 2015 after more than 60 years.

A bid was made to re-open the once popular social club, which was established in 1953, as a family restaurant but planning officials rejected the idea.

The building had to be demolished soon afterward, having being gutted by the blaze.

Council planning officials are currently scrutinising the retail application.