CAMPAIGNERS have launched a last-ditch plea in a bid to halt a controversial 75-property housing development on greenbelt land in Kilmacolm.

Members of the residents' association in the village are calling on housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel to abandon plans to build on a site off Quarry Drive.

Known locally as Kilmacolm Meadow, campaigners say the new-builds would cause the disappearance of a much-loved, well-used part of the community.

They also claim the access roads and village infrastructure are 'not designed for a major development' and say the houses would hamper wildlife.

But the developers insist their proposals are within local and national guidelines and stress that they are considering feedback from the public following two consultation events held last month.

Campaigners point out that two previous bids to build houses on the land in 2004 and 2014 were rejected and they want support to make sure the third attempt is also unsuccessful.

Antony Vitrano, chair of Kilmacolm Residents' Association (KRA), said: "It feels like a David & Goliath struggle, trying to protect our countryside, wildlife and greenbelt at Kilmacolm Meadow - an area that is used and loved so much by our local community."

Mactaggart & Mickel has not yet asked for permission for the development but has submitted a 'proposal of application notice' to Inverclyde Council.

Liz Hamilton, the company's land manager, said: "Mactaggart & Mickel Homes propose to create a high quality, sustainable neighbourhood extension at Quarry Drive, on the northern edge of Kilmacolm, which can deliver approximately 75 new homes, including some affordable homes.

"Inverclyde Council's Main Issues Report identified this site at Quarry Drive as their preferred housing option having identified a new housing requirement in the village, stating 'of the greenfield sites suggested for housing in the Kilmacolm area, development of the land to the west of Quarry Drive is considered likely to have least impact on the character and setting of Kilmacolm'.

"Mactaggart & Mickel are in receipt of formal feedback from the community following the two consultation events and intend to respond to this in writing early in the new year."

A spokesman for Inverclyde Council said: “Under the current local development plan – which was adopted in 2014 – this particular site is allocated as greenbelt.

“It is a requirement of planning regulations that applicants go through a pre-application consultation process for a major development proposal prior to submitting a planning application.

“The council is still considering the results of its own consultation process on the proposed new local development plan - which includes responses from the local community.

“Any decision on a planning application takes into account the current adopted local development plan and any material considerations including representations from the public.”

* Consultation comments can be emailed to land@macmic.co.uk or posted to Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, 1 Atlantic Quay, Robertson Street, Glasgow, G2 8JB.

KRA is also asking people to send them copies by emailing kilmacolmresidentsassociation@gmail.com or handing them into Nix Hair Salon or Vino 13 shop in the village.