BOSSES behind a failed £1m Starbucks bid for Greenock say they are weighing up their options after the plans were knocked back by councillors.

Developers Crucible Alba, who own the Cartsdyke Avenue site which was earmarked for the drive-through coffee shop, say they are 'disappointed' by the recent decision of the Local Review Body to refuse planning permission.

A new Starbucks on the vacant land next to the Royal Bank of Scotland Mortgage Centre would have created 30 new jobs.

Michael Smart, Crucible Alba's development director, said: "We are disappointed by the recent decision at the Local Review Body but we are considering all of the points raised by the members during their discussion."

Inverclyde Council officials had initially rejected the planning application under delegated powers, arguing that the site is designated for use by business, financial services or green technologies sectors - not commercial purposes - and should remain that way despite having lain empty for 20 years.

It was also argued that other more suitable sites are available for the development, that its construction would negatively affect existing landscaping and that the McDonald's and Brewer's Fayre across the road already provide similar products and services.

The developer challenged the ruling which meant the application went before the Local Review Body at the start of June.

Councillors voted 4-3 to uphold the original decision and permission was refused.

Crucible Alba, which bought the 2.1 acre site from RBS in March last year, are staying tight-lipped about what their next move will be.

They could apply to the Court of Session to try and overturn the decision or submit an amended application taking into account concerns raised by councillors.