10/2/2021

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2 hrs ago

Developer fails to revive plans for new shops in Clarkston

By Drew Sandelands Local Democracy Reporter

A DECISION to reject plans to demolish the old station master’s house in Clarkston and build four shops has been upheld following an appeal.

Councillors on East Renfrewshire’s planning committee turned down the application in October last year, even though officers said the proposal could be approved as the building is not listed.

Applicant Sabah Hassan’s agent lodged an appeal but Alison Kirkwood – a reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers – has upheld the ruling.

Her verdict on the Busby Road site will be reported to councillors at a meeting today.

Four reasons were given by councillors for the refusal, which included their belief the scheme would have an adverse impact on the “vitality and viability” of Clarkston and would see “an historic building” knocked down.

They also had concerns about road safety, as no on-site parking would have been provided.

But the appeal stated permission for “an equivalent development” on the site had been refused in August last year, with only one reason given by planning officers.

Council staff had said the application had failed to demonstrate there would be no “significant impact” on town centre vitality.

Before submitting the second bid, the applicant asked an economic consultant to assess the potential impact.

“There continues to be a requirement for the local area to retain local people in local jobs and to help halt the increase in unemployment rates,” the appeal argued.

It added the old house is in “a significant state of dilapidation” and the council’s roads team had “not objected to the proposal nor substantiated concerns about car parking and traffic congestion.”

Clarkston Community Council objected to the appeal and its submission revealed a “manual count of the retail units in Clarkston” had found 10 voids, with a vacancy rate of 15%.

Ms Kirkwood ruled: “On the basis that Clarkston is not an area where large scale expansion is planned, I am not convinced that there would be a significant increase in the local population to justify additional retail provision.”

Her decision stated that, although Historic Environment Scotland had agreed to assess the property ahead of it potentially becoming a listed building, it was currently not listed.

She also decided there would not be an “adverse impact in terms of increased traffic generation or additional pressure on parking spaces.”

However, Ms Kirkwood said the proposal was “not well designed”.

She added: “I do not consider the proposal would contribute to a more attractive, distinctive and bustling town centre.”

Ms Kirkwood ruled there were “no material considerations which would justify granting planning permission.”

More than 20 residents had objected to the proposals, with 10 submitting letters of support.