Supermarket plans get go-ahead

Eric Baxter • Published 20 May 2010 14:00

PLANS for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Greenock's west end - creating 30 new jobs - have been given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government, despite strong local opposition.

Councillors on Inverclyde's planning board had previously voted to reject the application for 34 flats and two shops, despite council officials recommending it be approved.

But an appeal was then made to Holyrood ministers, who have now given the green light to the proposals.

Today, Inverclyde's planning board chairman, Councillor David Wilson, said objections made to the plans 'were not credible'.

He said: "I voted in favour of the development. I trust the judgment of our planning officers. The reasons for rejection had no real planning basis."

Builder Alex McKay previously received permission for 40 flats at the site, at 52-54 Finnart Street and 19 Robertson Street. But he later changed this to the current application of 34 flats and two shops.

Planning bosses received 148 objections to the amended plans - 15 individual letters and 133 copies of a standard letter.

Objectors claimed the proposal would lead to numerous problems, including an increase in traffic affecting child safety, parking difficulties and anti-social behaviour from youths hanging around the new shop.

It was also claimed the development would have an adverse affect on local traders.

The Government's planning reporter said the deciding issue was whether the effects of the two retail units would make the overall development unacceptable.

He said: "While the surrounding area is predominantly residential, the presence of local retail and other facilities to serve the needs of local people is compatible with, and already part of, that character.

"Planning permission has already been granted for a wholly-residential, flatted development on the appeal site.

"That development would be of almost identical scale and massing to the appeal proposal, as the ridge height on the Finnart Street and Robertson Street sections above the retail units would stand only around one metre higher."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "We are delighted Scottish ministers have granted planning permission, as the store will bring much-needed convenience facilities to the area and enable people to shop locally."

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 20 May 10

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