A FORMAL challenge has been made against the rejection of a bid to open a Turkish restaurant in Greenock town centre.

Inverclyde Council last year refused to grant permission for a change-of-use application which would have seen a former furniture shop on Grey Place become a new eatery named Efes.

The business’s proprietors previously told the Tele how they waited over eight months for a decision, only to be left shocked when the council knocked back their plans.

READ MORE: Chef to bring former Greenock restaurant back into use

Planners said that the restaurant would result in a ‘unacceptable nuisance’ from cooking odours for neighbours.

But in an appeal submitted on behalf of the business owners, development firm Ferguson Planning claim that the odours could be ‘successfully and satisfactorily’ mitigated with the right equipment.

They state: 'The proposed development of a new Turkish restaurant on Grey Place would be a unique draw for visitors, as the closest comparable offering is over 30 miles away.

'In addition, the proposed new restaurant in Greenock town centre will have tangible economic benefits with the creation of approximately c.25 jobs and will also contribute significantly to increasing overall footfall in the town centre bringing increased spend to other businesses in the area.'

The appeal document also notes that a petition calling on the council to give the go-ahead for the restaurant attracted over 1,300 signatures last year.

They add: 'This level of support is significant and demonstrates that the proposed development would be a welcome, positive addition to Greenock town centre.'

Appeal documents say that a professional odour assessment has now been conducted at the site, although it is claimed that this was not requested by the planning department prior to the original decision.

The team behind Efes say the assessment found that the odours could be dealt with by taking a number of recommended measures, which include installing a flue stretching at least one metre above the roof ridge of the building.

The appeal document states: 'Subject to the mitigation measures outlined in the accompanying odour assessment, it would not result in any unacceptable statutory odour nuisance that would detrimentally impact the amenity of the surrounding area and neighbouring residential amenity.

'Furthermore, the proposals would contribute positively to the local economy, the vitality and viability of Greenock town centre and meet the aims of wider council strategic policies to deliver a regenerated town centre.

Members are therefore respectfully asked to approve the proposed development on the above grounds of appeal.'

The appeal bid is expected to be considered by the Local Review Body at a later date.