Village residents are facing yet another battle to stop developers building on their greenbelt

Around 200 people turned up to a public meeting, pictured, in a show of strength against a new application from private housing firm Gladmans.

Despite earlier planning applications being knocked back by the Inverclyde planning board, the company has come back with a fresh plan.

This time they want to build up to 88 homes on the North Denniston beauty spot.

Outraged villagers are now gearing up for their fourth hearing to stop more houses being built in or near the village.

One of the objectors, Antony Vitrano, of the Kilmacolm Residents' Association, said: "The village of Kilmacolm is now in the ridiculous situation where there are three different private developers - Gladman, Taylor Wimpey, and Mactaggart & Mickel - all trying to build on three different greenbelts.

"The facts of the matter are that the current Inverclyde Council local development plan states there should be no development on these greenbelts.

"The next local development plan says there should be no development on these green belts.

"The Scottish Government appointed reporter has ruled there should be no development on these greenbelt sites.

"A different Scottish Government appointed reporter ruled only a few months ago that Gladman should not be allowed to build on this greenbelt, the same greenbelt as they have just applied for again.

"The problem is with our Scottish planning system - where developers can keep reapplying until they get their way."

This week's public meeting was organised by Kilmacolm Community Council and the Kilmacolm Civic Trust.

Speaking after the meeting, local councillor David Wilson said: "I am not surprised that there is interest from developers wishing to build in Kilmacolm.

"It has just been voted one of the best places in Scotland to stay.

"But Inverclyde Council must take into account the local development plan in assessing an application.

"It states that it is not necessary to release to release further greenbelt land in Kilmacolm.

"This will be the fourth hearing.

"So far all of them have been major applications and require a hearing in the Greenock Town Hall."

Last June Gladman was refused permission to build 100 homes at The Knapps and North Denniston site at planning hearing.

The applicant appealed the decision but the Scottish Reporter ruled in favour of the council.

Then in February this Gladman were refused a joint application to build houses in Carsemeadow, Quarrier's Village.

Another hearing is expected in June as Taylor Wimpey bid to build on Planetree Yetts in Kilmacolm.