A DEVELOPER'S determined bid to build 88 homes on Kilmacolm greenbelt has been thrown out by the Scottish Government.

Gladman wanted to erect houses at North Denniston in the village and their application was rejected by Inverclyde planning board last year.

An appeal to the Scottish Government was lodged last September.

It has now been dismissed, the Tele can reveal.

Councillor David Wilson, whose ward covers the village, says he is relieved by the decision.

He told the Telegraph: "The planning committee turned it down and Gladman went to the Scottish Government and they have upheld the committee's decision.

"I think it is excellent.

"It is the wrong place for houses.

"This is a good decision and one that reflects the unanimous decision of the planning committee."

Last June Inverclyde Planning Board met in the village for a special hearing on the application.

Around 150 members of the public packed in to the St Columba Church hall for the showdown, with members of the community queueing up to oppose the controversial plans.

Cllr Wilson said: "The Kilmacolm Civic Trust lodged a major objection and democracy was on view for the residents of the village.

"I would also like to compliment Inverclyde Council planning officers."

A similar application was turned down by the council and the Scottish Government in 2018.

Nicol Cameron, chair of the Civic Trust, said: "We are delighted.

"We have been extremely worried because Gladman have been utterly insensitive towards anything to do with the ambience of the village environment."

He said the proposed development of 66 homes in North Dennistoun and 22 between the railway and Gryffe Road would have had a detrimental effect on the village.

Mr Cameron said the views across the fields from the railway line and the iconic late Victorian and early Edwardian houses would have been badly blighted.

He said: "This aspect of the village would have been totally destroyed."

But the controversial plan may not have been killed off completely as Gladman could mount a legal challenge.

Mr Cameron says he fears that Gladman will now take their case to the Court of Session, as they have done with previous applications.

The Tele has contacted Gladman for a response.