Published: Wednesday, 9th June, 2010 2:00pm

New Sainsbury's site plans ditched

SITE: Finnart Street.

PROPOSALS for a Sainsbury's store in Greenock's west end have been ditched - after going all the way to the Scottish Government to get planning permission.

The council's planning board had originally rejected the plan for 34 flats and two shops at Finnart Street, one of which was earmarked for Sainsbury's.

But builder Alex McKay finally got permission by appealing to the Scottish Government.

Now, in a dramatic about-turn, Mr McKay has sold the site to Oak Tree Housing Association, which says they have no plans for shops.

Planning bosses had received 148 objections to the Finnart Street plan.

Residents were worried about an increase in traffic affecting child safety, parking difficulties, anti-social behaviour, and feared the development would have an adverse effect on local traders.

A spokesman for Oak Tree said: "We can confirm we now own the site and we will build 40 flats there. We will not build shop units." He would not comment on why shops will not be built.

Mr McKay originally had planning permission for 40 flats, but sparked controversy when he applied to cut the number and add two shops.

Sainsbury's had planned to create 30 jobs at the site.

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said Greenock remains a priority for them.

She said: "We are disappointed we were unable to progress the site with the new owners and will continue to look for a suitable location for a convenience store in the west end of Greenock.

"A Sainsbury's convenience store would improve choice, enabling people to shop locally and bring added benefits to the area such as jobs and investment."

Mr McKay was not available for comment.