Item 11 - Lock Up and Garage Site Review Update
West Dunbartonshire Council · 25 February 2026
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 25 February 2026 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by the Chief Officer, Housing Housing and Communities Committee: 25 February 2026 Subject: Lock Up and Garage Site Review Update 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to update members on the ongoing review of Lock Ups and Garage sites managed within the Housing Revenue Account. The paper seeks approval for the introduction of a refreshed lock up policy and revised guidance for the operation of garage sites. In addition, the paper outlines the condition and future approach for the 14 garage site plots located at Portpatrick Road, Old Kilpatrick. 2. Recommendations 2.1.1 It is recommended that the Housing and Communities Committee: (i) Approve the refreshed Lock Up Policy attached as appendix 1 to this report: (ii) Note the revised Garage site procedure attached as appendix 2 to this report: and (iii) Note the actions being taken in relation to the Portpatrick Road garage sites which will see a. notices to quit be issued to all garage plot tenants, effective from 1 April 2026; b. all tenants will be requested to remove their garage structures by the termination date; and c. any structures not removed will be demolished by the Council, with all associated costs recharged to the relevant tenant. 3. Background 3.1 The Council owns and manages 21 garage sites comprising 155 plots, of which 41 are currently vacant. The Council does not own the structures situated on these sites, but leases plots where the leaseholder is then responsible for constructing and maintaining their removable garage structure. 3.2 In addition to the garage sites, the Council also manages lock up, which are a permanent structure leased to residents to store a car. There are currently forty- five sites throughout the local area, including twenty-three in Alexandria, five in ITEM 11
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Dumbarton, two in Old Kilpatrick and fifteen in Clydebank. In total there are 608 lock ups managed by the Council’s housing service. 3.3 A on-going review of the lock ups and garage sites is currently being undertaken to maximise their value to both the housing revenue account and the wider communities of West Dunbartonshire, and this report highlights the first outputs of this review. 4. Main Issues 4.1 The management and maintenance of lock up and garage sites has been identified as an improvement action in a number of housing service plans. A review is currently being undertaken through the Council’s Better Homes Project Board and are looking at a number of initiatives which would see these Housing Revenue Account (HRA) assets be improved for the betterment of Council tenants. Some of these initiatives include the following: - A review of the current charging levels. Stock condition survey of all lock ups. An options appraisal of each garage site for future use. 4.2 While, the above initiatives are being progressed, one of the early findings of the review identified was the need to strengthen the management of both the lock up and garage site operational delivery. To assist with this an officer within the housing service has assumed responsibility for the management of both and while this will strengthen operational management, allocation and maintenance, the need for written procedures to support staff and tenants was also identified as a priority action. As a result, a new garage site policy has been introduced and was approved following consultation at the Better Homes Project Board in January 2026. In addition, a new lock up policy has been developed and is presented as Appendix 1 of this report. 4.3 The lock up policy outlines the terms and conditions for the rental and use of Lock Ups (storage garages) provided by West Dunbartonshire Council. It ensures fair access, safe usage, and proper management of these facilities across all forty-five lock up locations in West Dunbartonshire. Portpatrick Road Garage Sites 4.4 As part of the ongoing review, an initial assessment was made at the garage site located at Portpatirck Road, Old Kilpatrick. It was identified that many garages are in poor condition and attracting anti-social behaviours such as fly- tipping. 4.5 Further investigation identified a significant number of the garage structures to be in poor structural condition with some requiring extensive repairs. This deterioration has negatively affected the visual amenity of the area and has raised safety concerns for the wider community. 4.6 In addition, a number of the garage plots have tenants with outstanding arrears. This presents a clear financial risk to the Housing Revenue Account and highlights challenges in enforcing payment compliance under the current lease arrangements.
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4.7 Investigations have confirmed that none of the garages are being used for their intended purpose of storing private motor vehicles. This constitutes a breach of the lease agreement and suggests that the site is being used for alternative, unauthorised purposes. 4.8 The site has increasingly become a location for fly-tipping and other forms of misuse, adversely affecting the local environment and contributing to concerns regarding anti-social behaviour. These ongoing issues have resulted in numerous complaints from the Community Council and local residents. Summary Review of the individual garage plots: Garage number Condition of Garage Condition of Let GS1 Good condition Unlet GS2 Good condition Unlet GS3 Poor condition Let GS4 Poor condition Unlet GS5 Plot is Void Unlet GS6 Plot is Void Unlet GS7 Poor condition Let GS8 Poor condition Let GS9 Plot is Void Unlet GS10 Poor condition Let GS11 Plot is Void Unlet GS12 Poor condition Let GS13 Poor condition Let GS14 Poor condition Let 4.9 It is proposed to issue notices to quit which will require all current tenants to vacate their plots and remove any garage structures by the termination date.
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This may cause inconvenience and potential financial burden for tenants who have invested in their structures. To mitigate this, clear communication and reasonable notice periods will be provided. 4.10 The removal of deteriorated garages and the elimination of fly-tipping will significantly improve the visual amenity and safety of the area. This action will reduce environmental hazards and anti-social behaviour, creating a cleaner and more secure space for local residents 4.11 The site has been identified as a strategic location for sustainable transport initiatives. It has been approved for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and parking adaptations to support modern mobility needs. To progress these plans, the Council’s procurement team is actively reviewing suitable frameworks and contractual options that will enable timely and cost-effective delivery of the project. This approach aligns with the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transport solutions. More detailed information on this will be brought to a future Committee meeting. 5. People Implications 5.1 The delivery of the review is managed through existing resource within the Housing Development & Homelessness team. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications Financial 6.1 The removal of existing garage structures and clearance of the site will incur costs related to demolition, waste disposal, and potential enforcement actions for non-compliance. Where tenants fail to remove their structures by the agreed termination date, all associated costs will be recharged to the relevant tenant in line with Council policy. However, in cases where a garage does not have an identifiable owner, the Council will assume responsibility for demolition and associated costs. These costs will be considered within the Council’s Housing Capital Investment Plan. 6.2 If the redevelopment of the site moves forward with the installation of the EV charging infrastructure, then no Council investment will be required. The appointed EV charging company will cover all costs associated with converting the site for parking and installing EV charging infrastructure. In addition, the Council will benefit from a new revenue stream through an annual land usage fee paid by the EV charging provider for each charging bay, ensuring a sustainable financial return without upfront capital expenditure. As above, more information on this will be brought to a future Committee meeting. Procurement 6.2 To progress the redevelopment, the Council’s procurement team is actively reviewing suitable frameworks and contractual options to ensure timely and
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cost-effective delivery. This will include consideration of existing national and local frameworks for EV infrastructure, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and best value principles. Collaboration between Housing, Procurement, and Sustainability teams will be essential to manage supplier engagement and project implementation. 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is a risk that some tenants may fail to remove their garage structures by the termination date, resulting in additional costs and delays. This will be mitigated through clear communication, reasonable notice periods, and enforcement measures where necessary. 7.2 The decision to terminate leases and clear the site may generate negative feedback from tenants. This risk will be managed through proactive engagement and transparent communication. 7.3 The removal of the garage structures may generate waste and potential environmental hazards. Appropriate waste management and compliance with environmental regulations will be enforced to minimise impact. 8 Environmental Sustainability 8.1 The proposed actions will deliver significant environmental benefits. The removal of the garage structures and the elimination of fly-tipping will reduce environmental impacts and improve the overall visual amenity of the area. 8.2 If the redevelopment of the site for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and improved parking facilities goes ahead, this will support the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport solutions. 9. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 9.1 The proposal does not alter any existing policy or pattern of service delivery at this time and so is not considered to require an equalities impact assessment. 10. Consultation 10.1 Consultation has taken place with key internal stakeholders, including the Housing Development Team, Housing Operations, Procurement, and the Legal Team, to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with procurement regulations. Concerns raised by the Community Council regarding the current condition of the site have been noted, and an update will be provided as further progress is made. Further consultation will be carried out with affected tenants to provide clear guidance on lease termination, removal requirements, and timelines, ensuring transparency and minimising disruption. 11. Strategic Assessment
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11.1 The Local Housing Strategy is the overarching document setting out the strategic direction for housing across all tenures and informs the future investment in housing and related services across West Dunbartonshire. 11.2 Having considered all the Council’s strategic priorities, the recommendations noted above were discusses and approved at the Better Homes Board. Peter Barry Chief Officer, Housing Date: 30 January 2026 Person to Contact: John Kerr – Housing Development and Homelessness Manager, Housing Development and Homelessness Team, Housing, telephone: 07793717981, email: john.kerr@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Beats Csibi - Housing Development Officer, Housing Development and Homelessness Team, Housing, , email: beata.csibi@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: 1 Lock Up policy 2 Garage Site Guidance Background Papers: None Wards Affected: All/Ward 6 (Portpatrick Road)