Housing plan at former Ravenscraig Hospital site hit by new obstacle

Engineers descended on Inverkip Road earlier this week to scope out a so-called 'pedestrian refuge crossing', the detail of which the council's most senior environment officer says he's 'not aware of'.

MSP Stuart McMillan says the new crossing forms part of wider works being carried out on Inverkip Road, pictured, to deal with the 198 new homes to be built at the former Ravenscraig Hospital site.

The Scottish Government is said to have declared that a consultation will only take place with local residents AFTER the structure is built.

The Telegraph understands that alterations to the A78 trunk road were approved by the council in order to accommodate the additional road traffic that the controversial Ravenscraig development will generate.

But Councillor Tommy McVey — who was alerted by residents — declared that what is taking place now was not agreed to by anyone within the local authority.

In an email sent to one concerned householder, the council's director of environment, regeneration and resources, Scott Allan, said: "I am not aware of the detail here.

"The A78 is a trunk road and comes under Scottish Government.

"Our roads team will get someone to look into this and see if we can find out what the situation is."

MSP Mr McMillan declared that the work 'must stop'.

He said: "The proposed island, called a 'pedestrian refuge crossing', is extremely small and is in the wrong location.

"In addition to this, it would appear to be too narrow for anyone with a pram or in a wheelchair.

"I have been told by Transport Scotland officials that the design for the island has been discussed with Inverclyde Council and was agreed last summer.

"Contractors on the site have told a local resident that the island could be finished within the next few weeks even though local residents have neither been consulted or received any correspondence regarding this proposal.

"Transport Scotland have however indicated that a consultation via social media has still to take place."

Mr McMillan added: "I am at a loss with events here.

"Not only has there been no dialogue with residents, this planned crossing also appears to be dangerous.

"Until we can get clarity on this and residents' concerns are taken into consideration, any work on this must stop.

"What is the point in a consultation after the structure is built?"

A resident told the Telegraph: "One hard hat stated it was going to be installed soon.

"Later blue marker paint appeared next to the driveway of house number 198, inferring a raised pavement to accommodate this crossing thus obstructing both number 200 and 198's driveways.

"Without any consultation it looks like someone made the decision.

"There is something odd about the whole thing.

"The placement is a few yards east of the give-way junction at Neil Street, which would greatly decrease the survival rate of anyone brave enough to attempt a crossing.

"People are angry and bewildered."

In an email to several senior council officials, including planning boss Stuart Jamieson, Councillor McVey demanded to know 'who proposed and approved the changes to the original plans?'

Mr McVey added: "I understand that these works are associated with the proposal to build 198 houses in the old Ravenscraig Hospital site.

"Clearly building out a pavement with bollards and siting a traffic island is significantly different from the original design, which was approved."

Ravenscraig Hospital and its land with confirmed 'multiple exceedances' of harmful chemical pollution were secretly sold to private company and social housing provider Link Group Ltd in a £1 deal involving the Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

Link is set to receive £15.3m of public money for building social rent homes on the site.

A Police Scotland Economic Crime Unit investigation into issues concerning the land — exclusively revealed by the Telegraph — continues.

The Scottish Government says the land transfer was conducted 'in accordance with all due process'.