TWO major housing developments for Inverclyde have been given the go-ahead.

River Clyde Homes have been given the green light to build 224 homes in Port Glasgow at the former St Stephen’s High site while private developers Merchant Homes has received permission to construct 32 new homes in Inverkip at a site bounded by Langhouse Road, Langhouse Place, Millhouse Road and Inverkip Cemetery.

The two applications were approved at Inverclyde Planning Board.

The Inverkip plan divided opinion amongst the members.

Inverkip councillor Innes Nelson urged the board to reject the bid saying it would cause an overdevelopment of the site which would impact on the busy A78.

But Labour councillor Jim Clocherty said he agreed with the officials who had recommended approval.

He said: "What we have said in the local development plan is that this area is designated for housing.

"This housing application has then come to the planning committee and you say you don't really want housing at the site.

"For me, if you don't think an area is suitable for housing then you should raise that when discussing the local plan."

Councillor Ciano Rebecchi was defeated in his call for a site visit over road safety fears, while independent Tommy McVey separately raised worries about the capacity of Inverkip Primary.

Following the discussion, the vote was tied at 4-4, with Cllr David Wilson, board chairman, breaking the deadlock by using his casting vote in favour of the development.

Meanwhile, the £35m housing development at the former St Stephen's High was approved unanimously.

Bosses at River Clyde Homes will build 170 flats and 54 houses for social rent on the cleared land between Kilmacolm Road and Southfield Avenue.