A LOCAL developer is appealing to the Scottish Government after his plan to create a self-build homes site in Gourock was rejected.

The company Inverdunning had lodged an in-principle application for a self-build development of six properties on land next to Rosemount Place, beside Gourock Golf Course and off Carnoustie Avenue.

But this was rejected by Inverclyde Council's planning board in May, following a site visit by councillors.

Board members cited the land's proximity to Greenock Golf Course and the safety of a proposed access road as the reason for throwing it out.

The application was rejected by majority vote of six to three.

But now Ben Barrs, of Inverdunning, has confirmed he has made an appeal to the Scottish Government in a bid to get that decision overturned.

Mr Barrs said he did not wish to comment when approached by the Tele.

Gary Woodside, who lives in Rosemount Place, says residents will oppose the appeal and they are contacting Ronnie Cowan MP and Stuart McMillan MSP.

Mr Woodside said: "We are not at all surprised that the developer Ben Barrs of Inverdunning has sent a legal appeal to the Scottish Government because as I've mentioned previously, profit appears to be the main priority here and public safety is basically being disregarded.

"The developer is actually a neighbour of residents here and it's very disappointing that he is continuing to ignore the concerns of the community he is part of and pursuing these unchanged plans."

A number of Trumpethill residents objected to the plans when they were unveiled last year.

Mr Woodside said: "What is really concerning about this appeal is that it's partially being justified based on the opinion of the head of roads and transportation who in my mind demonstrated very bad judgement by dismissing the obvious safety aspects and danger to life.

"Both these men seem to hold the view that because a road width complies within a matter of inches that this makes the road safe for the public whereas the health and safety of the residents must be the overwhelming factor here and not minimum road width compliance.

"The constituents here plan to do all we can to oppose this appeal and our intention is to contact our Inverclyde political representatives for the Scottish Government, Ronnie Cowan MP and Stuart McMillan MSP and seek their intervention where possible.

"We will also be contacting the case owner assigned to this appeal by the Scottish Government to offer our point of view and evidence of the danger to pedestrians the lane occasionally presents even before any significant increase in vehicles becomes apparent if the council decision gets overruled.

"Inverclyde councillors demonstrated good balanced judgement in rejecting the proposed plans by Inverdunning and we hope for and expect the same from the Scottish Government representatives."

Councillor David Wilson, chairman of Inverclyde Planning Board, explained the appeal process.

He said: "A reporter for the Scottish Government will assess the whole process and will go on a site visit.

"They will listen to comments from Ben Barrs and Inverclyde Council.

"The council will have to submit information outlining its reasons for refusal.

"Councillor Innes Nelson moved refusal - he has to re-emphasise the reasons for refusal."

The reporter will make a decision whether to overturn the council's decision or not.

Cllr Wilson added: "This is a full and final decision.

"If the reporter agrees with the council the applicant's recourse is to go to the Court of Session.

"It the applicant wins his appeal, the reporter will decide if the council should pay his legal costs."

A decision on the appeal is expected later this year.