A CONTROVERSIAL bid to turn the upper floors of a Greenock west end building into short-let term apartments has been thrown out.

Borland Property Limited wanted to change the listed building in Union Street into six serviced accommodation units with no allocated parking.

Councillors were split over the application, five votes for and five against, but convener Tommy McVey used his casting vote to refuse planning permission.

Ward councillor Graeme Brooks opposed the move, saying: "This is not the right context for for this proposal, given the history of that area.

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Ward councillor Graeme Brooks opposed the move, saying: "This is not the right context for for this proposal, given the history of that area.

"Historically, we have lost six parking spaces in Ardgowan Square and two at the newly designed bus stop.It would also mean six parking places being lost in Ardgowan Square.

"What could have been a family home, which is need in the area, is now being broken up into short-term lets."

The premises are empty and were most recently occupied by offices.

Speaking in favour of the application, Councillor Chris Curley said: "It is probably the right and location. It is an underused property and is a standalone property and doesn't affect any other properties."

Councillor Colin Jackson said: "Rather than short-term lets of six, it would have been put to better use by turning it into a family home."

Councillor Jim Clocherty raised issues over parking, if everyone in each unit had a car, and pointed out the building was on a very busy thoroughfare.

Planning officers said in a report that the applicant had indicated the properties would be let all year round, with an average length of stay of 2.7 nights, approximately 137 times a year.

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Each of the units proposed would have one bedroom and capacity for two people.

Councillor Kirsty Law said: "I have reservations about this. I am concerned about the parking in that area and, like Councillor Jackson, I would like to see accommodation for local people.

"In the longer term I would like to see the building back into use."

The application attracted six objections from members of the public.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Brooks, said: "I am pleased it won't be going through, it would have been detrimental to local amenities.

"My constituents have asked me about parking and a number of issues and challenges, such as the potential for anti-social behaviour."