Setback for twice-refused plans for Kilmacolm 'eco houses'

Inverclyde Council officials initially turned down the plans, for two two-storey houses on a green belt site at the western end of Knockbuckle Road, in April.

Applicant Graeme Andrew then asked the council’s local review body (LRB) to overturn the decision – but at a meeting in September, seven councillors on the LRB decided to dismiss the appeal.

The site of the proposed houses is at the western end of Knockbuckle Road. (Image: ataSTUDIO/Inverclyde Council) Documents newly published on the website of the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division (DPEA) reveal that Mr Andrew asked them to overturn the LRB’s decision and allow the project to go ahead.

But the DPEA has now written to Mr Andrew advising that its officials have ‘no remit’ to get involved in the case.

A letter from the DPEA to Mr Andrew states: “The appeal has now been checked in line with the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, I must inform you that your case should be appealed to the Court of Session and not DPEA.”

The application, which was originally received by Inverclyde Council in January, attracted 10 objections from the public as well as one expression of support.

The application site is located to the south of Knockbuckle Road. (Image: Google Street View) Officials said the proposals did not meet the criteria laid down for allowing new homes to be built on green belt land, and added: “The external materials, scale and design are considered inappropriate for the location as are the openings proposed, presenting a development which is incongruous to the green belt location as well as the design characteristics associated with surrounding residential properties.”

The site is the only remaining undeveloped part of land which was formerly the grounds of Avenel House at the west end of the village. 

The house, built in 1928, was replaced between 2007 and 2021 with seven individual houses.