PLANS to build two dozen retirement flats in Inverkip which attracted more than 60 objections have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Members of Inverclyde Council’s planning board have this afternoon granted developer Homedream Ltd planning permission in principle for a proposal to construct three blocks of flats on disused land at the corner of Main Street and Langhouse Road.

The application had attracted 61 objections from neighbours and residents.

Issues such as the loss of the site as an open space, the pressure the development could put on local infrastructure and the impact it could have on neighbours' views were highlighted in the representations.

But council officials stated that there were no 'material considerations' to justify refusing the application, and councillors have now unanimously agreed to grant permission for the development to progress to its next stage.

Council leader Stephen McCabe, who moved for permission to be granted, said: “I can understand why some of the objections have been raised and in particular the desire to maintain open space at this location.

“But the reality is that we don’t have control over that open space, we need to assess the application on its merits and having looked at the assessment from our officers I don’t see any grounds for refusing the application.

“I personally think we should support the recommendations in the report.”

Developers will now have to submit further detailed plans.

The site previously contained a community building with an equipped play park, but this has now been removed and the area has become overgrown.

All of the flats are to be served by lifts, with a proportion also wheelchair-accessible, and the development is to have 35 car parking spaces.