Councillors on Inverclyde planning board yesterday voted unanimously in favour of an application put forward by the owners of the former Scott Lithgow and East Glen shipyards site.

Developers Clydebuilt already had permission for an extension to the retail park granted three years ago but they updated and altered their proposals to ‘enhance’ the Port development — already home to Costa Coffee, B&Q and The Waterwheel.

They sought the green light to press ahead with the revised expansion, which was fiercely opposed by Greenock’s Oak Mall shopping centre.

But board members gave full backing to the proposals — which will see more retail space, a gym and restaurant opened.

Provost Robert Moran said: “This site is the gateway to Inverclyde.

“A big empty site doesn’t appeal to me and I’m sure it doesn’t appeal to visitors.

“This will encourage people to stop in our community and see what it has to offer.” Cllr Moran expressed sympathy with the Mall but argued the Port development would ‘create more footfall’ and support retailers in Inverclyde.

He said: “Obviously I want to see the best for everywhere in Inverclyde but for years and years I’ve been telling the community council and the people of Port Glasgow we will get something on that site and now it’s happened with Costa Coffee and B&Q.

“I want to see the Mall flourish but I don’t think we are in any position to refuse this — it will enhance the whole of Port Glasgow and Inverclyde.” Board chairman David Wilson agreed, highlighting that although retail spending in Inverclyde tops £180m a year, a sum of £80m is splashed out by local people at places like Braehead and Glasgow.

He said: “This will attempt to keep some of that £80m in Inverclyde.” Cllr James McColgan also expressed sympathy at the ‘challenges’ faced by the Oak Mall but added that he did not accept their argument against the Port development.

Mr McColgan said: “I totally appreciate the challenges the Oak Mall faces.

“I strongly believe the development at Port Glasgow has been good for Port Glasgow — look at the likes of Costa and Marston’s — it’s been great for the area along with the housing as well.

“This is what we need.”