A CONTROVERSIAL application to build 75 homes on greenbelt land in Kilmacolm is to get the go-ahead from the Scottish Government.

Ministers say they 'are minded' to give permission to developers Mactaggart and Mickel to build on Kilmacolm Meadow, west of Quarry Drive, and have passed the proposal in principle.

Permission was originally granted by Inverclyde Council, despite the application being vehemently opposed by campaigners and villagers.

Opponents include Kilmacolm Residents' Association, Kilmacolm Community Council, the Civic Trust and ward councillors.

The government then 'called-in' the application last year, saying that it raised issues of 'national significance on planning policy'.

Now they have endorsed the recommendation of a planning reporter expert who said that approval should be given, subject to conditions.

The planning appeals division of the government says 'ministers agree with the reporter that the adverse impacts of the proposed development would not outweigh the benefits.'

They want a planning obligation - or alternative legal agreement - which will mean that 25 per cent of the development must be affordable, and for the developers to contribute towards off-site works that will improve the walking and cycling environment in Kilmacolm.

The formal decision will be deferred for six months for these issues to be resolved.

Villagers are up in arms over the decision and fear it could pave the way for more greenbelt land to be used for new homes in future.

One local resident, who asked not want to be named, said: "I think it's disgraceful.

"There are plenty of brownfield sites like Balrossie and Smithy Brae, and the self build plots in Leperstone Drive that have not been taken up.

"This application is driving a bulldozer through the normal planning system."

Kilmacolm councillor David Wilson said he had 'mixed views'.

He told the Tele: "I did vote against it, but there is a feeling within the village that there is a shortage of affordable homes for families and opportunities for older people to downsize.

"The residents put up a good fight and I am sure they will be disappointed at the outcome."

Bosses from Mactaggart and Mickel says they are pleased that they can now move forward.

Bruce Hampton, the company's senior land and planning manager, said: "We welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to approve our application, which will help to address a shortage of housing in the area.

“This decision follows extensive consultation with the local community and approval by Inverclyde Council more than a year ago.

“We would like to thank everyone who has engaged in this process in recent years.

"We remain committed to continuing to work with the local Kilmacolm community to deliver a high-quality housing development that people can be proud of.”

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: "The application was called in by Scottish Ministers because the council owned part of the land and the application presented a departure from the development plan and that is part of the normal planning procedures.

"Ministers, subject to compliance with a range of conditions, have decided that the application should be granted.

"The conditions put in place agree broadly with those the council put forward in the original application, with some minor changes and a difference to the developer contribution and affordable housing conditions."