Inverclyde's MP is backing campaigners in a fight to block greenbelt housing developments

Ronnie Cowan met with Antony Vitrano, who chairs the village residents' association, to lend his support to their ongoing battle to protect areas such as 'Kilmacolm Meadow', as it is known locally.

Several housebuilders are keen on a number of greenbelt areas in the area.

Last Thursday, villagers won their first battle against developers Gladman after the local planning board rejected their application for 100 homes at The Knapps and North Dennistoun, off Bridge of Weir Road,.

The decision came after the Tele revealed last Tuesday how Taylor Wimpey West Scotland want to build 150 properties on on Planetreeyetts, a 14.5 acre plot between Finlaystone Road and Quarry Road.

Mr Cowan is opposed to both developments and says applications for any greenbelt site across the district must be looked at carefully.

The MP said: "When building houses, as we need to do, the local communities must be taken into consideration.

"The idea of a quick sale of land and money in the bank is attractive but the long term interests of the communities within Inverclyde must override any quick financial gain.

"As elected members we have a responsibility for our area and we should be endeavouring to make the best use of every site.

"Once a site has been developed it is too late for future generations so we must make sure we get it right."

Housebuilder Mactaggart and Mickel are also keen on a development in the village but locals are dead against the use of any greenbelt site.

Mr Vitrano, from Kilmacolm Residents' Association (KRA), said: "It's a very tiring process, and the KRA have been fighting for 14 months solid, with no signs of it slowing down.

"Thankfully our local councillors recently voted in favour of preserving the greenbelt in Kilmacolm.

"But that doesn't stop big business developers.

"There is absolutely no shortage of land already identified and available for development.

"Greenbelt just happens to make a few people an awful lot of money."

Mr Cowan's party colleague Chris McEleny, who leads the council's SNP group, is also lending his support.

Councillor McEleny said: "Over the next few years the local development plan is proposing thousands of new houses for Inverclyde.

"I'm all for new housing to help reverse the decline in our population but it needs to be in the right place.

"Building on the Knapps is exactly the sort of short-sighted development we should be avoiding."