Port Glasgow couple share their delight after new home plans granted on appeal
A PORT Glasgow couple have told the Tele of their delight after their plans to build a new home were given the go-ahead on appeal.
Kenny and Patricia Crighton's bid to build a bungalow close to their current home at Valleyview House on Dougliehill Road was originally rejected by Inverclyde Council officials in February.
But the couple appealed against the ruling – and have now seen the decision overturned by councillors on the authority's local review body (LRB).
Following the LRB's hearing, Mr Crighton told the Telegraph: "I am delighted. Both of us are.
"We've got a bit of a way to go before we get started. We need to get an architect to draw up some designs.
(Image: George Munro)
'Patricia's arthritis has got a bit worse over the years, so a house on one level will help her in the years to come.'
The LRB's ruling last week came as the couple celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary – giving them an extra reason to celebrate.
Council officials had said, when turning down the Crightons' application in February, that the proposals 'conflicted with the surrounding landscape' on a site which is located in the green belt.
But Mr Crichton said the site itself should never have been regarded as green belt land, having previously been a water treatment works.
OTHER NEWS:
'It's going to be a special one': Bumper Comet Festival planned for Port's 250th year
'Everybody loved him': Fitness instructor pays tribute to father after sudden death
Big-hearted barber opens new shop and pledges to donate £5k a year to charity
At the LRB's meeting, Councillor Jim Clocherty moved a motion to uphold the original decision by council officers to refuse permission.
But Councillor Stephen McCabe moved an amendment that the appeal be upheld – and his amendment won the day by three votes to two.
Speaking to the Tele after the meeting, Cllr McCabe said he had taken the view that the land itself should be treated as a brownfield site within the green belt.
He said: 'Given that there are other residential properties along the same road, I did not support the grounds for refusal, which is why I moved that planning permission be granted with the conditions set out in the papers."
Councillor Stephen McCabe said he supported the Crightons' appeal after council officers initially refused planning permission. (Image: George Munro) Other reasons for refusal included concerns over the poor accessibility of the site, its failure to meet sustainable transport policies, and whether there was a specific need to build at this particular location.
Mr Crighton told the Tele: "We don't think it should have gone to an appeal in the first place if the planner had been fair and applied the NPF4 (National Planning Network) policy brought in by the Scottish Government in February 2023.
"There are a number of other sites where houses locally have been passed with fewer qualifications than ours.
"This site has never been greenbelt. It has been used by Scottish Water. There are live pipes on this site still in use.'
The development site is located off Dougliehill Road on the edge of Port Glasgow. (Image: Derek Scott Planning)
Mr Crighton claimed planners had been inconsistent in the way they had assessed the site, having approved an application by the couple last summer for a dog exercise facility on the same site.
Mrs Crighton said: "It's just ludicrous. We have been working on the site for the last 20 years.
"A planner came up to inspect the site when we applied for the dog run, but never appeared on the site when we applied to build the house."
Mr Crighton added: "We are very happy that the councillors used a bit of common sense.
"We want to thank the councillors for making this happen for us and see our side of the story."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
New study reveals 'shocking' scale of unfairly treated workers in Inverclyde
A NEW study has revealed the 'shocking' volume of cases dealt with by a Greenock centre which supports workers who have been treated unfairly by employers. Research by Strathclyde University academics found that more than 6,000 people sought the help of the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre over the course of 10 years. The study of the centre's work found that workers in social care, retail, call centres and hospitality were particularly vulnerable, especially those in low-paid jobs and where there is no trade union representation. The research was carried out over 18 months by Phil Taylor, emeritus professor at the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, part of the university's Strathclyde Business School, and senior lecturer Dr Kendra Briken. They say the Inverclyde centre's work is a model that should be rolled out across Scotland. Jim McCourt with Professor Phil Taylor and senior lecturer Kendra Birken, who carried out the research into the centre's work. (Image: George Munro) Professor Taylor said: "The sheer volume of cases is shocking. Over 10 years, 6, 209 Inverclyde clients sought help from the centre between 2014 and 2023." He added that people came from every sector but particularly those areas where there was no representation from a union, who as a result were vulnerable and suffered abuse in terms of their rights as workers. The academic said: "This was prominently among the social care sector, retail, call centres and hospitality, primarily in low paid jobs. "These are vulnerable workers who were subject to actions that were illegitimate." More Inverclyde news Taylor said the main issues concerned pay, unpaid wages and other payment issues, as well as unfair dismissal, breaches of employment codes and practices, and discrimination on grounds of disability, gender and age, often compounded by mental health. Jim McCourt, manager of the centre, said: "This is the only centre of its kind in Scotland and using this information, we would like to see more centres of this nature being rolled out across Scotland." He also commended Inverclyde Council for its financial investment in the centre, which has been providing specialist advice and guidance on employment rights to people across Inverclyde since 1987, and says the study's findings provide a snapshot of what is happening across the country. Mr McCourt says economic factors are making life harder for workers - not just a lack of jobs overall, but also low rates of pay which make it difficult for people to travel elsewhere to work. Jim McCourt, left, with Nicola Provan and Eddie Macdonald from the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre. (Image: George Munro) He said: "We're in the grip of a mental health crisis. You have to be a very strong person to go through a tribunal on your own. 'There are occupational health issues. People are suffering from work-related stress due to performance management or find it difficult to make a claim if the employer says they have done something wrong. "They have a right, but there is a gap between having that right and being able to enforce it." READ MORE: Inverclyde employment rights service hails new plans to give workers more protection Professor Taylor said: "Inverclyde is a pioneer, and I am adamant that the conclusion from our report is that this centre should be a model to be rolled out across Scotland. "Inverclyde is not unique in employment issues, as an area of deindustrialisation and left-behind regions, but is unique in being able to address these issues." He added: "There is a growing appetite for looking at employees' rights. There is an employment rights bill currently passing through parliament to fight for fairer treatment at work and for workers rights to be upheld. "Centres like this are crucial in helping people in the frontline."
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
Kemimoto Celebrates 14 Years of Powersports Innovation with Anniversary Mega Sale
Houston, TX, Texas, United States, June 11, 2025 -- Kemimoto, a trusted leader in UTV accessories and motorcycle gear, is celebrating its 14th anniversary with a major month-long sales event designed for outdoor enthusiasts and off-road riders. From June 5 to June 30, the Kemimoto 14th Anniversary Sale delivers deep discounts, sitewide deals, and exclusive bundles on high-performance gear built for adventure. For over a decade, Kemimoto has specialized in durable, rider-tested off-road accessories for UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles, supporting top vehicle brands including Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, CFMOTO, and more. The brand is recognized for its commitment to functional design, rugged reliability, and community-driven innovation. 'We're proud to celebrate 14 years of riding alongside our customers,' said a Kemimoto spokesperson. 'From sand dunes to snow trails, Kemimoto has always been about enabling more confident, comfortable, and exciting rides.' Anniversary Event Highlights: June 5–30 1. Up to 45% OFF: Save on popular UTV upgrades like sound bars, mirrors, storage bags, and more. 2. Extra 14% OFF Sitewide (Code: EXTRA14): No minimum required — stackable with sale items. 3. Clearance Boost – Extra 20% OFF (Code: MCL20): Get even deeper savings on end-of-line gear. 4. New Subscribers Get 15% OFF: First-time customers can unlock additional savings instantly. Top Powersports Accessories Featured Kemimoto's most in-demand products will be featured throughout the sale, including: 1. Universal UTV Sound Bars – Weatherproof, Bluetooth-enabled, and trail-tested audio for every terrain. 2. UTV Side Mirrors – Wide-angle visibility, tough housing, and easy installation for most models. 3. LED Whip Lights – Illuminate night rides, sand dunes, and parades with vibrant, customizable lights. 4. Model-Specific Gear – Fit-tested accessories for Polaris RZR / Ranger / General, Can-Am Maverick X3 / Defender, CFMOTO ZForce / UForce, and Honda Pioneer / Talon. 5. Motorcycle Accessories – Tactical gloves, heated gear, handlebar mirrors, and storage kits built for two-wheeled adventure. Join the Celebration Kemimoto's 14th Anniversary is more than a sale — it's a thank-you to the community that powers the journey. With unbeatable pricing, exclusive codes, and free subscriber perks, now is the perfect time to upgrade your rig and stock up for the next adventure. Shop the Anniversary Event at About the company: Complete Journey of Dream Contact Info: Name: Kemimoto Email: Send Email Organization: Kemimoto Website: Release ID: 89162123 Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours – taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Port Glasgow couple share their delight after new home plans granted on appeal
A PORT Glasgow couple have told the Tele of their delight after their plans to build a new home were given the go-ahead on appeal. Kenny and Patricia Crighton's bid to build a bungalow close to their current home at Valleyview House on Dougliehill Road was originally rejected by Inverclyde Council officials in February. But the couple appealed against the ruling – and have now seen the decision overturned by councillors on the authority's local review body (LRB). Following the LRB's hearing, Mr Crighton told the Telegraph: "I am delighted. Both of us are. "We've got a bit of a way to go before we get started. We need to get an architect to draw up some designs. (Image: George Munro) 'Patricia's arthritis has got a bit worse over the years, so a house on one level will help her in the years to come.' The LRB's ruling last week came as the couple celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary – giving them an extra reason to celebrate. Council officials had said, when turning down the Crightons' application in February, that the proposals 'conflicted with the surrounding landscape' on a site which is located in the green belt. But Mr Crichton said the site itself should never have been regarded as green belt land, having previously been a water treatment works. OTHER NEWS: 'It's going to be a special one': Bumper Comet Festival planned for Port's 250th year 'Everybody loved him': Fitness instructor pays tribute to father after sudden death Big-hearted barber opens new shop and pledges to donate £5k a year to charity At the LRB's meeting, Councillor Jim Clocherty moved a motion to uphold the original decision by council officers to refuse permission. But Councillor Stephen McCabe moved an amendment that the appeal be upheld – and his amendment won the day by three votes to two. Speaking to the Tele after the meeting, Cllr McCabe said he had taken the view that the land itself should be treated as a brownfield site within the green belt. He said: 'Given that there are other residential properties along the same road, I did not support the grounds for refusal, which is why I moved that planning permission be granted with the conditions set out in the papers." Councillor Stephen McCabe said he supported the Crightons' appeal after council officers initially refused planning permission. (Image: George Munro) Other reasons for refusal included concerns over the poor accessibility of the site, its failure to meet sustainable transport policies, and whether there was a specific need to build at this particular location. Mr Crighton told the Tele: "We don't think it should have gone to an appeal in the first place if the planner had been fair and applied the NPF4 (National Planning Network) policy brought in by the Scottish Government in February 2023. "There are a number of other sites where houses locally have been passed with fewer qualifications than ours. "This site has never been greenbelt. It has been used by Scottish Water. There are live pipes on this site still in use.' The development site is located off Dougliehill Road on the edge of Port Glasgow. (Image: Derek Scott Planning) Mr Crighton claimed planners had been inconsistent in the way they had assessed the site, having approved an application by the couple last summer for a dog exercise facility on the same site. Mrs Crighton said: "It's just ludicrous. We have been working on the site for the last 20 years. "A planner came up to inspect the site when we applied for the dog run, but never appeared on the site when we applied to build the house." Mr Crighton added: "We are very happy that the councillors used a bit of common sense. "We want to thank the councillors for making this happen for us and see our side of the story."
