Councillors make decision on patio row that sparked flurry of neighbour complaints

Levan Point homeowner Terry Hamilton told the Tele that he had made an 'honest mistake' when he built the structure at the front of his home without first seeking the green light from Inverclyde Council.

Mr Hamilton's application for backdated sign off on his stone terrace was backed by members of Inverclyde Council's Planning Board - after 25 angry homeowners nearby tried to have it torn down.

The father-of-three had previously been granted permission to install French doors at his property, and says he did not realise the patio would also require separate planning consent.

He said: "It was an honest mistake. I didn't realise I needed further planning permission.

"When I realised I immediately took the necessary action, which was contacting my architect for the French doors and putting in this retrospective application.

"The fact that my neighbour has a patio as well led me to believe that I could put a patio in and I think it keeps with the character of the building.

"I have three young children and I got the French doors so they could have safe access to the garden.

"It was a genuine error on my part."

A report from Inverclyde Council officers produced ahead of the decision on Mr Hamilton's patio outlined a range of issues raised by objectors.

Concerns about it being underneath bedroom windows, its impact on the aesthetic of the surrounding development as a whole and the ownership of the land were among the points raised.

However, planners say that the land ownership issues are civil matters to be discussed between the parties involved and are not planning-related considerations.

Officers said that the proposals accord with all relevant planning policies and as such offered no material considerations which would warrant the application's refusal.

Councillors backed officer's recommendation and voted seven to two to give the permission, meaning Mr Hamilton's patio can remain in place.