A CONTROVERSIAL application to build 78 new homes in Kilmacolm has been given the green light by the Scottish Government.

The Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has decided to rubber stamp a bid by developers Mactaggart & Mickel for a greenbelt project at West of Quarry Drive.

There were no fewer than 480 objections from individuals and groups against the bid, including from Kilmacolm Residents' Association, Kilmacolm Community Council and Kilmacolm Civic Trust.

Village activists say they are disappointed that the government has sided with the developers.

Nicol Cameron, chair of the Civic Trust, pictured, said: "The additional 78 houses will generate an increase in the population of the village and that will be good for local businesses.

"The negatives are that every household will will at least have two motorcars.

"This will bring an extra 150 extra vehicles, as people will naturally will have to drive into the village - where are they going to park?"

A series of proposed housing projects in the village have caused considerable controversy in recent years.

Mr Cameron claims developers are taking advantage of the fact that the area's Local Development Plan is yet to be finalised.

He said: "Kilmacolm is not safe from developers.

"Once the revised 2019 LDP has been ratified, then we will perhaps be in a better place.

"Until then we shall continue the fight to preserve the nature and character of Kilmacolm."

Morven Armour, chair of Kilmacolm Community Council, also slammed the decision.

She said: "Loss of greenbelt to volume development is particularly disheartening when there are brownfield sites within Kilmacolm awaiting development and completion at Balrossie and the former Institute Building.

"It is a concern to us how additional housing of this scale will impact on existing services.

"I know how difficult it is for young people to buy in the area, particularly those like me who may be returning to the village to settle down after moving away for higher education or building a career.

"I hope that any development which goes ahead will actually provide an opportunity for young families and first time buyers to get on the property ladder."

The reporter who examined the case, David Buylla, granted the application subject to a planning/legal obligation that 25 per cent of the homes are 'affordable', and that Mactaggart & Mickel contribute towards off-site works that will improve the walking and cycling environment in Kilmacolm.

Ministers supported his findings, saying: "The proposed development accords with the development plan and there are no material considerations that indicate that permission should be refused."

Councillor David Wilson was not surprised by the decision, pointing out that the application had initially been approved by the Planning Board and then agreed by the full council.

He added: "I personally voted against it, but I then I began to understand there was a necessity for it.

"Increasingly I have had representations from younger people in the village, who have had to buy houses in Bishopton because there was nothing available here - and from older people who want to downsize but there is nothing available.

"I objected to it at the outset but I appreciate that this is a done deal.

"I would add that I am still against housing development in the greenbelt.

"This development is quite enough and is all we need, I wouldn't want this continue."

Craig Ormond, Mactaggart & Mickel group director, said: "We welcome ministers approving our planning application for new homes at Quarry Drive in Kilmacolm.

"Our application has been considered in detail at a local and national level following extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders.

“At every step, we sought to respond to the relevant planning policies, and we enhanced our proposals to bring forward an application for a range of high quality, sustainable homes which respond to Kilmacolm’s local requirements.

“Following the issue of this decision, consultation with stakeholders will continue on more detailed plans for Quarry Drive to help deliver the homes that the area needs.”