PROTESTERS are urging people to oppose plans which could enable developers to build a large-scale housing estate in Kilmacolm.

Kilmacolm Residents' Association say the clock is ticking for objections to be lodged on a key consultation about the council's local development plan.

Housing developers are keen to build on two greenbelt sites in the village and the association is unhappy that the areas are being put forward for development despite a previous vote by councillors to protect the land.

The residents' association said: "Planning officers at Inverclyde Council have yet again put forward two greenbelts in Kilmacolm to be released for large scale housing development - the much loved greenbelt at west of Quarry Drive, and adjacent greenbelt at Planetreeyetts.

"The people of Kilmacolm already told Inverclyde Council in 2017 these two should remain as greenbelt.

"Elected Inverclyde councillors agreed with the people of Kilmacolm, and voted to keep these two areas as greenbelt."

A number of housing firms have declared interest on building on greenbelt land in the village in recent years.

The association is concerned that the local development plan could now pave the way for such projects.

The closing date for submissions on the plan is Sunday.

A spokesperson for KRA said: "We have to make our voices heard yet again."

MacTaggart and Mickel submitted an outline planning application to build 75 houses in Quarry Drive in October and a public consultation was launched, while Taylor Wimpey want to build on Planetreeyetts.

An updated local plan is necessary because of a decision made last year by the Court of Session quashing part of it.

Kilmacolm Residents' Association say if the go-ahead is given for housing on greenbelt in the revised plan then it will set a precedent.

They argue that there is no established need to use greenbelt in Kilmacolm for housing, saying no demand has been demonstrated for this within the housing market.

They want Quarry Drive and Plantreeyetts to remain protected and suggest that vacant brownfield sites should be used for any new homes.

Kilmacolm councillor and chair of the Inverclyde Planning Board, David Wilson, declined to comment when approached by the Tele, in light of applications having to be determined at some stage by the board.

Submissions about the local development plan can be made online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk or by emailing ldp@inverclyde.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘Main Issues Report’.

Postal submissions can be sent to: Planning Policy, Regeneration & Planning, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1LY.