A HOUSEBUILDER must go back to the drawing board after requested amendments to his planning permission were thrown out by councillors.

The planning board had originally turned down an application from Chris Canata to erect a large house in Dunvegan Avenue, but this was subsequently overturned by the Local Review Body and granted with conditions attached.

Mr Canata then applied for design changes to be approved and also sought permission for a detached garage in place of the previously approved car port.

The new application sparked heated debate among councillors as it was revealed that conditions attached to the permission had not been adhered to.

There had also been 12 written representations from neighbours raising a wide range of concerns.

People living in Dunvegan Avenue have voiced concern over the property, arguing it is 'out of character' and not in keeping with other dwellings there.

A report to the planning board said: "As part of the development monitoring process the site was visited during construction and it was evident that works were not being undertaken in according with planning permission.

"This application is the result."

But the document added: "Whilst it was disappointing that the changes have been undertaken without first seeking planning permission and that conditions attached to the planning permission have not been met, this can have no bearing on the assessment of this application."

This sparked a discussion on the role of the planning board, with unhappy members questioning the point of laying down conditions if they were not adhered to.

Councillor Drew McKenzie said: "The applicant had permission to build a house, then chose to build a different house.

"In my opinion this shows a lack of respect for this committee and contempt for the decisions of this council.

"If we accept this application it sends out a message from this planning board that you can just do what you want and build what you want and use the materials you want.

"I am not impressed with this at all."

Board colleague Councillor John Crowther said: "It is very disappointing that there are so many changes to this application.

"The conditions have not been implemented.

"If we continue to go down the line of accepting developers chopping and changing, we're going down a dangerous path."

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld added: "Basically what is the point of putting on conditions?"

A recess was then called for board members to discuss the application in private.

After the break Cllr Crowther put forward a motion to refuse the amendment requested, on the grounds that red tiles instead of grey had been used on the property.

This was passed on a vote of 5-4.

Speaking to the Telegraph afterwards, Cllr Crowther said: "I had previously voted in favour of the building going ahead at the Local Review Body with conditions attached.

"Had the conditions been adhered to, there may have been a different outcome."

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said: “If the applicant wants to they can appeal to the Scottish ministers against the refusal of planning permission.

"If they chose to do so then they have three months to lodge their appeal.”

The Tele contacted Mr Canata and invited him to respond following the meeting.