PLANS have been drawn up for a £2.6 million residential development on a former Greenock school site.

Housing association Link Group is seeking permission to transform the old St Gabriel’s Primary plot in Juno Terrace by constructing 23 new properties.

The development would consist of six two-storey buildings featuring 22 two-bedroom flats and one wheelchair-friendly bungalow, all designed for older people.

A Link spokeswoman said: “Link Group has submitted an application for planning permission to Inverclyde Council to build 22 cottage flats and one wheelchair unit for social rent. “The proposed development of the site is contained in the council’s strategic housing investment plan and will be aimed at older people.

“We will hold a community consultation evening over the coming months to let the local community know about our plans for the site and will continue to work with Inverclyde Council during the planning process.” The Juno Terrace site has lain empty since the former school building was demolished following the merger of St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart in 2011 to form St Andrew’s, which is now based at the refurbished Earnhill Primary in Chester Road.

The housing blueprint is part of Inverclyde Council’s housing plan for 2015 to 2020.

In February this year, the Tele revealed how the local authority had struck deals with housing associations, including Link, to sell land formerly occupied by now defunct schools.

The blueprint also features plans for River Clyde Homes, Cloch Housing Association and Oak Tree Housing Association to snap up the old St Stephen’s High plot in Port Glasgow plus the former King’s Glen and Ravenscraig primary sites in Greenock.

The application from Link is now being scrutinised by council planning officials.