Update on appeal over Lochwinnoch roadside services plans

Glasgow Times

a day ago

The proposal for a pit stop – consisting of a petrol station, electric vehicle charging points and a coffee shop – on land adjacent to the A737 and Roadhead Roundabout was rejected in March.
Elected members agreed with a recommendation from the chief planning officer to turn down an application for planning permission at a meeting of the planning and climate change policy board.
But Ferguson Planning, working on behalf of EG on the Move, challenged the ruling to the Scottish Government in June, arguing the project would comply with the relevant policies of the development plan.
A statement said: 'The proposal is for essential infrastructure that is required within this green belt location due to the need to be located on the strategic road network.
'The proposed development is of an appropriate scale for a facility of this type and would not have a significant visual impact on the green belt.
'The proposed development would primarily serve the existing traffic on the A737 and seeks to support the greater provision of electric vehicle charging facilities, supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of a net-zero economy.
'The proposed development is accessible by a range of sustainable transport modes, has safe walking, wheeling and cycling connections to and from Lochwinnoch, which can be improved through developer contributions if necessary and proportionate.
'The proposal is, therefore, considered in accordance with the relevant adopted policies of the statutory development plan and supported by other material considerations.
'Scottish ministers are respectfully requested to allow the appeal and grant planning permission.'
The council previously outlined the reasons for its decision, including that it was not demonstrated the proposal was an 'acceptable green belt use' or that there were safe walking, wheeling and cycle connections to and from the site.
Additionally, it was argued the location and scale of the development would increase dependency on car travel, which was deemed contrary to policy seeking to address the climate emergency through a spatial strategy that helps cut emissions.
In its response to the appeal, the council added: 'The content of the council's report of handling and the subsequent reasons for refusal as set out in both the report and decision notice remain the council's position on the application and from review, it is not considered that the information and case presented as part of this appeal (including any new and additional supporting information) changes this position in any way.'
A letter was also sent by Lochwinnoch councillors Andy Doig, Chris Gilmour, Gillian Graham and Emma Rodden to the Scottish Government, setting out their opposition to the appeal.
It said: 'The site under consideration is green belt and development of a filling station, with associated amenities, would increase traffic on a part of the A737 whose infrastructure is sub-standard. This would undermine steps towards a just transition.
'In terms of local living, the nearby village of Lochwinnoch is a conservation village with a thriving independent retail sector that lends itself to local living.
'Local people can already access a range of local services and do not need corporate-branded outlets that sell ultra-processed food.
'To allow a filling station and associated amenities at this site would militate against the core principle of rebalanced development.
'Contrary to what the applicants say, there are other petrol outlets between Johnstone and Beith and, with over 60 objectors to the application, there is no local demand.'
While an initial target date of August 28 was set by the planning and environmental appeals division, this has since changed to October 23.
An update at the end of last month confirmed further written information has been sought on the case.