A CONTROVERSIAL greenbelt housing development which attracted almost 500 objections has been dramatically approved by councillors. MacTaggart and Mickel have been successful in their bid to build 78 homes at Kilmacolm Meadow west of Quarry Road in Kilmacolm. Officials had recommended approving the application and it was also backed by the planning board before a full council meeting had the final say. Elected members decided to give the housebuilders the go-ahead despite 487 public objections. The council 'released' the greenbelt for housing as part of its new local development plan just two weeks ago - meaning the bid to build 58 private properties and 20 affordable homes was no longer contrary to the blueprint.