RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on plans to sell public land in Gourock for housing.

Bosses at Inverclyde Council have started a public consultation over a proposal to sell land at Kirn Drive off to a developer.

The ground in question is the former blaes football pitch and grassed area near the community hall at the foot of the street, and a triangular site beside Moorfoot Primary School at the other end.

There are also plans to widen parts of Kirn Drive to accommodate increased traffic and ease the bottleneck conditions which already exist.

The council say that the former St Ninian's Primary site in Staffa Street - which has been cleared - may also be sold off and developed as public open space.

In January last year the housing proposal was discussed at a meeting of Gourock Community Council.

Speaking at the meeting was Ben Barrs of the company Inverdunning.

The minutes from the meeting stated: "This is part of the wider Call for Sites exercise initiated by the council every five years to progress a Local Development Plan.

"He presented maps and pictures to talk through the current work to produce a development plan for Upper Kirn Drive.

"Part of this work is progressing a collaborative agreement with Inverclyde Council that will increase the land value – helped by including ring fenced monies to widen Kirn Drive to three lanes, helping to alleviate long-standing traffic issues."

The minutes continue: "There is the potential for 100/110 units for sale over the site with 25 per cent for social housing allocation.

"Part of the development work will include testing of ground as copper mines were previously utilised here.

"Ben has also been in discussion with Darroch Estates to ensure planning consents and paperwork is in order."

As reported in the minutes, there was discussion at the meeting on the plan to widen Kirn Drive and whether the 'options were realistic'.

Now members of the public have been invited to have their say.

Any person may object to the proposal either by email to property@inverclyde.gov.uk or in writing to The Head of Legal and Property Services, Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square before the end of July.