THE proposal to demolish the former Wemyss Bay Hotel and convert it into a new Co-op store, as revealed by the ‘News’ last year, has been given the green light by councillors.
A new traffic crossing at the busy A78 is part of the application, although a second shop unit was dropped during the application process. 
Planning officials believe the new store will not have a significantly detrimental effect on existing shops at Ardgowan Road, Wemyss Bay and Kip Park, Inverkip, and will attract jobs.
Inverclyde regeneration and planning chief Stuart Jamieson, states: “Currently, the existing building and wider site create a very poor visual impression and the proposed redevelopment of the site would eliminate this. 
“The footprint of the new building is smaller than that of the building which currently exists. I am satisfied that overdevelopment does not therefore occur.
“The design of the proposed building follows that expected of a small, modern convenience store and includes shopfront glazing to the side elevation fronting the trunk road to break up the appearance.”
A delivery management plan to ensure safety is maintained.
In a document submitted on behalf of the applicant, planning consultants stated: “The proposed development is intended to provide a modern, small, local supermarket to improve local access to facilities within the catchment of the local settlements of Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie. Existing convenience floorspace does not meet the requirements of the area.”
“A small, appropriately-sized, local supermarket would provide local facilities which would bridge the gap between the small local shops and the major destinations in Greenock and Largs.”
Planners are satisfied that overdevelopment will not occur with the footprint of the new building being smaller than that of the building which currently exists. 
Mr Jamieson concludes: “I do not consider that it could be held that it would lead to any significant additional noise or disturbance to the adjacent residential properties above that which currently occurs and which could also occur if the site was to reopen as an hotel.” 
Inverclyde Council planners have recommended approval of the application, with councillors rubberstamping the move last week.
Co-op have successfully moved to Largs, but efforts to move to Millport were thwarted after a community campaign against the move.