AMBITIOUS £15m plans for a new Ocean Terminal cruise ships terminal have been backed by council officials

The proposed development will include a restaurant and an art gallery dedicated to George Wyllie.

It is a part of an expansion plan put forward by the council and port authority Peel Ports under the Glasgow Region City Deal scheme.

A number of concerns have been raised about the application, including loss of car parking.

Opponents have cited congestion caused by coaches taking passengers to and from excursions.

But the planning board will be advised to approve the new terminal when they meet tomorrow after the local authority's head of roads indicated he was satisfied with the plans for road management.

The striking building has been designed by award-winning architects Richard Murphy Associates and will feature a new visitor centre and restaurant.

There are also plans for a gallery in tribute to renowned artist Wyllie, who lived in Gourock for more than 50 years and worked on the Greenock waterfront as a Customs and Excise officer.

The development would help Ocean Terminal expand capacity, bringing more cruise ships to the town.

Speaking previously about the development council leader Stephen McCabe said: "As a key City Deal project, the new visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal aims to make a significant contribution to economic growth and international tourism."

Councillors are expected to give the expansion the green light when they meet in the Municipal Buildings to discuss the application this afternoon.