THE Easdale brothers say Inverclyde Council's u-turn allowing them to build up to 450 homes in a £250m development at the old IBM site will prove 'transformational'.

Their bid to overturn a 270-unit cap placed on the Spango Valley project succeeded on Wednesday, when councillors voted to lift it, and now work could start this year.

The Telegraph reported last year how the billionaire brothers were initially considering legal action against the council over the cap, before later launching a fresh bid - along with development partners Advance Construction - to amend the planning condition.

An independent report indicating that a 270-unit development would leave the whole project unviable was included in the application.

Members of the council's Planning Board have now agreed to the amendment, meaning the development can progress to its next stage.

Sandy Easdale said: "The redevelopment of the former IBM Greenock site will be transformational for Inverclyde and we’re pleased that the council has chosen to increase the number of dwellings allowed.

"The reduction rendered the £250 million plan financially unviable and we would have lost the opportunity to attract new families to the area as well as the economic and jobs boost that will come from the development."

Mr Easdale believes the development, which will be built in phases, can mark a turning point for the district.

He said: "When IBM closed, it created not only an unemployment shock for the region but also a visible property scar with little hope of regeneration.

"Thankfully, the potential now exists to heal that wound by unlocking substantial investment and in turn, creating new long-term prosperity for the area."

James Easdale added: "Whilst we have lost a year since the original planning decision was made, the council has engaged and listened to the evidence provided and, to their credit, come to the correct decision.

"The independent report makes clear that it will take determination from us to make the project work, even at the 450-unit level, but we are resolute in our purpose to see the site revitalised for future generations.

"Inverclyde is a great place to live and work and by creating quality homes, we can attract more people to the region.

"We look forward to getting started in the months ahead."

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