Response2toFR_Redacted
Renfrewshire Council · 27 January 2026
Back to Local Review Body. — 27 January 2026 and its agenda
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From: To: Robert Devine Subject: RE: Notice of Review Date: 16 January 2026 12:21:45 Attachments: image001.png external.png finance_warning.png Hi Robert, Please see the response to the attached communications below. Principle of Development and Land Use It is acknowledged that part of the site is identified as Open Space within the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. However, the land in question does not function as accessible or usable public open space. The site is fully enclosed by a 1.8 metre high metal security fence, is locked, and is not available for public access. It is not laid out, maintained, or managed for recreational, amenity, or ecological use, and therefore does not contribute to the provision of functional open space within the settlement. The proposal would not result in the loss of valued or usable open space, as the site is already severed from public use and does not perform the role envisaged by the Open Space designation. The continued secured and locked nature of the site would remain, and no public access would be removed as a result of the development. In these circumstances, the proposal accords with the intent of open space policy, which seeks to protect accessible and functional open spaces, rather than land which is physically constrained, inaccessible, and incapable of delivering public amenity value in its current form. Historic Environment and Listed Buildings Reference is made to the proximity of Cartside Terrace, a Category B listed building. The proposal does not involve development within the curtilage of the listed building, nor does it alter, demolish, or physically affect any listed structure. The parking use proposed is low- key in nature and would not detract from the architectural or historic character of Cartside Terrace. There is no Conservation Area designation applicable to the site, and boundary treatments such as shrubs and hedges will serve as a soft screen, preserving the setting of nearby heritage assets. Character and Appearance The proposed parking area is not directly adjacent to the garage building; however, it remains within an area influenced by existing mixed uses, including commercial activity and transport infrastructure. The site will be visually contained by boundary treatments and its relationship to surrounding development is such that the proposed use would not appear incongruous within the wider streetscape.
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The proposal does not introduce built form or structures and would retain the existing fenced enclosure. As a result, there would be no significant alteration to the visual character of the area or the approach to Kilbarchan. The use of the land for vehicle parking, within a secured and visually contained site, would not result in unacceptable visual impact or harm to local character. Existing Parking and Road Safety Issues The representation refers to existing parking and traffic difficulties within the surrounding area. As set out in the original planning application, the applicant currently has no dedicated off-street parking provision and is required to park customers’ vehicles within nearby residential streets, including Tandlehill Road, Ladysmith Avenue and the car park off Milliken Road. On average, approximately 20 vehicles are parked within the local area on a daily basis as a direct consequence of this constraint. This situation contributes to existing congestion and can give rise to road safety and amenity concerns within established residential areas. The proposed development seeks to address this issue by providing a defined off-street parking area, thereby reducing reliance on on-street parking within surrounding streets. In this respect, the proposal represents a mitigation measure rather than a source of additional parking pressure. By formalising parking within a contained site, the development has the potential to improve local traffic conditions and residential amenity elsewhere, rather than displacing or exacerbating existing parking problems. Environmental Protection and Contamination Concerns regarding potential contamination, dumping of scrap vehicles, and oil spillages are speculative. The application is for parking use only, and any operation would be subject to existing environmental legislation and regulatory controls. Vehicles will not be parked on site if they show any sign of fuel/oil leaks therefore any potential for spillages will be mitigated. There is no evidence to suggest that the proposal would result in land contamination or environmental harm. Noise and Residential Amenity Vehicle movements associated with parking would be limited and comparable with existing activity associated with the adjacent garage. Vehicles will be parked during normal working hours only. The proposal would not give rise to unacceptable noise or disturbance when assessed against prevailing baseline conditions. Future Development and Speculative Uses The representation raises concerns regarding potential future erection of buildings, valeting operations, or use of the site for vehicle sales. These matters are speculative and do not form part of the application under consideration. Any future development or material change of use would require separate planning permission and cannot be taken into account in the determination of this application. Change of Use The use of the site for vehicle parking ancillary to the existing garage does not constitute a material change of use to a car sales site. No retail activity, customer access, or sales infrastructure is proposed as part of the application.
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Impact on Nearby Residential Areas The proposal would not displace parking problems from one area to another, as it formalises parking within a defined site rather than introducing new on-street parking pressures. Conclusion While the concerns of the objector are noted, it is considered that the issues raised are either non-material, speculative, or relate to matters beyond the scope of this application. The proposal would not result in unacceptable impacts on residential amenity, road safety, or the historic environment. Accordingly, the representation does not provide material planning justification for refusal. Kind Regards, Stuart Craig BSc (Hons) Craig Architecture Limited 9 High Barholm Kilbarchan PA10 2EF Tel: Mob: Web: www.craigarchitecture.co.uk Company Registration No. SC709370 (Scotland)
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