COUNCILLORS' Decision To Refuse Port Housing Is Upheld

Monday, 20 February 2012 |

A DECISION by Inverclyde Council to refuse a housing development in Port Glasgow has been upheld on appeal.

In October, Inverclyde Planning Board rejected an application seeking permission in principle for housing at Barr’s Brae, between the cycle path and Dougliehill Terrace. Up to 15 houses were proposed for a steep area of rough hillside.

Council officials had recommended approval saying there were other areas of open space nearby and that the loss of the application site, which was poor quality open space, would not have an unacceptable impact.

But councillors opposed the plan saying it was against guidelines to safeguard open space and would have an adverse affect on the cycle path. The applicant appealed to Scottish Ministers and their planning expert has now backed the council decision.

Government Reporter Gerry Farrington said in his decision report: “Release of the land for housing development would not sever the green corridor west of Barr’s Brae but it would reduce its width to the cycle path and a narrow strip of partially wooded ground only some 20 to 25 metres wide. Clearly this is contrary to the policy of protection and enhancement in the development plan.

“The steep slope makes the site unsuitable for active recreation but I agree with the council that it could have a valuable role as passive open space.”

He added: “Having studied the area on the ground and walked the relevant section of the cycle path in both directions, I agree with the council that the site makes an important contribution to the visual amenity of the area as a piece of undeveloped hillside.”

He felt that the development would have a “seriously harmful impact on the visual amenity of the area” and it would be many years before tree-planting provided an effective screen.