A DECISION on controversial plans to build flats in Gourock has been postponed.

At yesterday’s meeting of Inverclyde planning board, councillors delayed making a decision on Holt Leisure’s proposals to build 11 flats on the site of the old Firth Hotel.

Members instead voted to go on a site visit before making a final decision on the development, which has attracted 10 objections.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Terry Loughran said: “It’s fair to say that this is sensitive in terms of the removal of the hotel which has been fondly regarded for many years and replaced by a block of flats.

“There are issues around parking, access and around the car park arrangements and the embankment at the back.

“So I think it would benefit ourselves to put all this in context by going on a site visit.”

Cllr Gerry Dorrian said he was concerned about the risk of flooding at the development site.

But Gordon Leitch, the council’s supervisory engineer for roads design, insisted there was no real risk.

He said: “There is a burn at the back but I can’t ever see the burn getting to these new flats as there is a big wall in between it and the flats.

“The flats would also be built 1.8 metres above the road, so if there was any water then it would run down the road.

“Also, three years ago a new grille was put on the burn and it should prevent flooding.”

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess said he would be disappointed to see the hotel building go.

He said: “I would be sad to see the building get demolished.

“I’m not saying I’m against the development I just think it would be sad to see an old Victorian building demolished.”

Fellow board member James McColgan asked whether some of the objectors’ concerns about access to the proposed development had been considered.

Official Mr Leitch said: “It is proposed to put pavement build-outs to assist motorist visibility when turning from Ashton Place on to Ashton Road.

“Also, there would be double yellow lines on one side of Ashton Place to ensure emergency vehicles can get down.”

The development would contain six flats with three bedrooms and five with two in an L-shaped building varying in height between two and four storeys.

A car park with 19 spaces would be accessed at Ashton Place, and constructed behind the building by excavating an embankment.

Council officials have recommended that the application should be approved.