Cha Halliday put the flagpole in his back garden last summer as a finishing touch to his new and improved garden.

But he and his wife Margaret, who live in Caledonia Drive, were shocked when they then received a letter from Inverclyde Council stating that they would have to get planning permission.

After a lengthy wrangle with the council which has cost them nearly £200, the couple have eventually been allowed to keep the pole.

The decision came when councillors at the Local Review Body overturned a previous decision by planning officials to refuse it.

Cha told the Tele: “I’m relieved that it’s over but the whole thing has been ridiculous.

“I think it’s an awful waste of money and council time which could have been put elsewhere.

“I just wanted to put a flag up because I’m Scotland mad and a member of The Society of William Wallace — I’m a proud Scot.” The couple, who have two grown-up children, say they were flabbergasted when they were informed that they would need permission for the 4.25m high flagpole.

After forking out nearly £200 for the application, the flagpole was deemed unacceptable because it created an ‘unexpected and dominant feature into the outlook from the rear of adjoining houses in Orchard Crescent and Scott Way’ and was ‘incompatible with the character and amenity of the area’.

However, the Hallidays eventually had their case heard at the Local Review Body and won the day.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor David Wilson said: “I have visited Caledonia Drive and it’s a fairly innocuous flagpole.

“I have no objections to this flagpole and the flag itself.” His colleague Councillor Innes Nelson added: “The people who live round about don’t have a problem with this and I understand why.

“I can’t see any problem with this flagpole.” Despite being relieved at the decision, the couple admit they are still annoyed about the whole situation.

Cha added: “All I wanted to do was fly a flag in my own garden — it’s not as if it was something illegal.

“This went on for about eight months and Margaret was constantly having to put emails in and letters with evidence, and thank God she did.

“I can’t believe they went to all that bother and cost.

“It’s a bit much for a flagpole.”