A NEW plan by the area's biggest housing association to build 40 new homes in Gourock could run into controversy.

The Telegraph can reveal that River Clyde Homes want to erect flats in Chalmers Street in the town.

But there are concerns that this would create vacant properties in the town and could also take away the car park at Riverside Gardens.

Town councillor Lynne Quinn said: "I am not against building more social housing and I would need to wait and see what the planning application looks like.

"I do have two concerns - firstly we need to see an investment in the existing properties.

"The danger may be that we see a transfer of tenants from existing properties to new flats, then we will have vacant properties left to ruin.

"Secondly, if the proposed site is the existing Chalmers Street car park where will the existing tenants park?

"Residents of Riverside Gardens are elderly and some have mobility issues.

"They currently use the car park and parking in this part of town is difficult enough.

"Will there be plans to maintain a residents' car park for both the new residents and those in Riverside Gardens?"

Bosses at River Clyde Homes say the plans are at an early stage and once completed will go in front of planners.

Graham McDowall, technical services manager, asset planning and development, said: "River Clyde Homes are currently working on plans for a development of 40 flats at Chalmers Street, Gourock.

"The architects are working on the designs, which will be submitted to planning on completion.”