Democracy Spraffa

Consider Notice of Review Request: Craigard Tearoom Iv, 81 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8Bb (Ref: 24/0013/Lrb)

Argyll and Bute Council · 23 September 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Local Review Body — 23 September 2024 and its agenda

Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.

Original council PDF · Download plain text

Page 1

Argyll and Bute Council 
Comhairle Earra Ghàidheal agus Bhòid 
 
 
Development and Infrastructure Services 
Executive Director: Kirsty Flanagan 
 
 
 
LRB Reference: 24/0013/LRB 
Planning Case Ref: 24/00570/PP  
23.08.2024 
 
24/00570/PP ‐ Change of use from Class 1A to Class 3 (retrospective) 
24/0013/LRB ‐ Application to vary condition 
Description of site 
The site comprises a small ground floor commercial unit at 81 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh. There 
are dwelling flats immediately above and to the side of the unit. Two dwellings are accessed from 
the public footpath in close proximity to the entrance of 81 West Clyde Street. The site is within the 
Settlement Area of Helensburgh Town Centre and Area for Action as defined in the LDP2. 
 
Site history 
There is no relevant planning history for this site. The previous use was D. Mandleson electronics 
store (Class 1A). 
 
Statutory Basis on Which the Appeal Should Be Decided 
Section 25 of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 provides that where, in making 
any determination under the planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the 
determination shall be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate 
otherwise.  This is the test for this application. 
 
Statement of Case ‐ Planning Application 24/00570/PP 
The retrospective planning application to change the use of a commercial unit from Class 1A (Retail) 
to Class 3 (consumption of food and drink on the premises) was approved in June 2024. The 
application followed planning enforcement action resulting from complaints of the unauthorised 
Class 3 use. 
General Permitted Development Rights allow for the change between Class 1A (shops, financial, and 
other services) to Class 3 (consumption of food and drink on the premises) without planning 
permission, unless it would result in the change of use of a building situated below any part of a 
dwelling, or it would result in the change of use of a building which is within 1m of a dwelling. This is 
to allow due consideration for any detrimental impact to residential amenity.

Page 2

The commercial unit at 81 West Clyde Street is situated both directly below a residential dwelling, 
and two residential entrances are sited within close proximity to the entrance of the unit. In turn 
planning permission is required to change the use from Class 1A to Class 3.  
The planning permission is associated with the unit, not the Applicant. If the Applicant were to 
terminate their tenancy and a third party take control of a Class 3 use, the unit would remain subject 
to the applied Conditions unless modified.  
In a supporting statement submitted for the planning application the Applicant stated the opening 
times for the Tea Room were 11:00hrs to 16:00 and closed on Wednesdays, and that these hours are 
to reflect consideration for the immediate neighbours. 
During the Application a number of representations were made regarding noise, smells, vibrations, 
and privacy concerns from neighbours. 
In approving the application, the following Planning Conditions were applied to help safeguard 
residential amenity: 
2. No customer shall be permitted entry on the premises before 08:00; and no customer shall be 
permitted to remain on the premises after 18:00. Reason: In the interests of residential amenity 
3. The permission hereby granted does not allow for the use of cooking with deep fat fryers within 
the premises. The permission allows only for a `domestic’ scale of cooking within the premises and 
any intensification shall be the subject of a separate application for planning permission. Reason: In 
the interests of residential amenity and in terms of the limited ventilation system in operation.     
The full assessment of the application can be read in the attached Report of Handling 
 
Requirement for Additional Information and a Hearing 
 
It is considered that no new information has been raised in the Appellants’ submission. The issues 
raised were covered in the Report of Handling (attached), including a summary of the representations 
submitted from 6 objectors. As such it is considered that Members have all the information they need 
to determine the case. Given the above and that the proposal is small‐scale, has no complex or 
challenging issues and has not been the subject of significant body of conflicting representation, then 
it is considered that a Hearing is not required.  
 
Planning Condition 
The Planning Condition subject to this LRB application is: 
2. No customer shall be permitted entry on the premises before 08:00; and no customer shall be 
permitted to remain on the premises after 18:00 hours. Reason: In the interests of residential 
amenity 
In Planning Circular 4/1998, planning conditions should be fair, reasonable and practicable. The six 
tests of a planning condition are: Necessary; Relevant to Planning; Relevant to the Development to 
be Permitted; Enforceable; Precise; Reasonable in all Other Respects:‐ 
1. The condition is necessary to safeguard residential amenity in respect to noise, vibration, 
and privacy.

Page 3

2. The condition is relevant to planning as the Change of Use has the potential to impact upon 
residential amenity, which is why the change is excluded from permitted Use Class change 
when attached to, or in close proximity to a residential dwelling.  
3. The condition applies to the use of the unit and responds to the proposed Change of Use in 
direct relevance to the development. 
4. The condition enforceable as operating outwith the approved opening hours can be 
monitored and evidenced with relative ease. 
5. The condition is precise in that customers are not permitted onsite outwith 08:00‐18:00 
hours  
6. The condition is reasonable as the Applicant sought to change the unit to a Tea Room 
operating between 11:00hrs‐ 15:00‐16:00 six days per week. Should a third party take over 
the Class 3 use of the unit they would also be subject to the condition unless an application 
to vary the condition is approved. The operational hours of 08:00‐18:00 ensures the Change 
of Use of the unit does not adversely affect the residential amenity of immediate neighbours 
beyond what can be reasonably expected within the typical working day.  
Comment on Appellant’s Submission 
Having regard to the detailed reasons for requesting the review set out in part (7) of the appellants’ 
submission the following points are noted: 
 
1. The Class 3 Tea Room poses no environmental issues to the Town and should not have a 
restriction on opening hours. The Appellant intends on opening the Tea Room until 20:00‐
21:00hrs on occasion to support the business, including evening baking tutorials. 
 
 The assessment of this application considered the potential impact upon residential amenity 
for the immediate neighbours. Representations were made in regard to noise, smells, 
vibrations, and privacy concerns by the immediate neighbours. The enforcement action that 
prompted the application arose from similar complaints of the previously unauthorised 
Change of Use. 
 
 LDP2  Policy  14  (Bad  Neighbour  Development)  resists  development  where  there  is  an 
unacceptable adverse impact upon the amenity of neighbouring land uses through noise, 
vibration, odour or fumes. This Change of Use is considered to increase the comings and 
goings of customers, and it is likely customers will spend more time within (and outside) the 
unit when enjoying the café, compared with the previous Class 1A use. The potential for noise 
disturbance and harm to residential amenity is therefore greater than the previous use. Whilst 
it is reasonable to expect some noise disturbance and proximity to customers entering and 
existing the unit within the Town Centre Location, the change of use presents a risk to the 
amenity of immediate neighbours.  
 The  planning  condition  is  applied  to  restrict  opening  hours  to  ensure  any  risk  of  noise 
disturbance and harm to residential amenity is minimised to within reasonable daytime 
operating hours. 
 
2. Nearby restaurants and hot food takeaways are not subject to a restriction on opening 
hours.

Page 4

 The planning history of neighbouring cafes and restaurants (Class 3) and hot food takeaways 
(Sui Generis) were not considered in the assessment of this application. The application 
relates to this site only, which as described, has dwelling flats above and to the side, with the 
front doors of two dwellings sited in close proximity to the unit. The proposed Change of Use 
from Class 1A to Class 3 raised concerns for the amenity of the immediate neighbours, which 
is addressed by the condition. 
 
3. There are over 117 other eateries in Helensburgh all have no restrictions on closing times, 
and they have multiple residents above them. The whole of Helensburgh is built with 
commercial properties on the ground floor and residents above.  
 
 I am unable to comment on the planning history of every café/restaurant (Class 3), and 
Public House and Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis) listed by the Appellant. Each application 
is determined on its own merits. In this case, the proposed Change of Use to a Class 3 use 
was deemed acceptable, with a planning condition applied to help safeguard existing 
residential amenity. 
 
4. I am being unfairly singled out. I pose no threat or noise, or smells or drunks at late hours. 
I'm a Tearoom, serving mainly elderly and people who love to bake.  
 
 The approved Change of Use application applies to the ground floor commercial unit at 81 
West Clyde Street and not to the Appellant. The permission will remain with the unit until 
such a time when a third party may wish to change it. The condition subject to this review is 
intended to safeguard the residential amenity of the existing and future immediate 
neighbours of the unit and is not a personal restriction on the Appellant. 
Summary 
The planning application for a Change of Use to Class 3 was prompted by planning enforcement 
action following public complaints. The application was approved subject to two planning conditions, 
applied to safeguard residential amenity. This application is made in regard to planning condition 2, 
in relation to opening hours. It is unclear from the LRB application whether the Appellant seeks to 
remove the condition or amend it.  
The supporting statement within the planning application stated the typical opening hours of 11:00‐
16:00hrs. The intention to operate late night openings was not included in the application and was 
therefore not addressed in the Report of Handling. Rather the assessment took into account the 
proposed Change of Use of the unit and the potential implications for existing and future 
neighbours. 
Each planning application is assessed on its own merits. This application assessed the Change f Use 
from a Class 1A retail store to Class 3‐ which would be permissible under the Class Use Order were it 
not for the adjoining residential properties. The resulting assessment found that the proposed 
Change of Use would present harm to residential amenity and would therefore warrant the 
aforementioned planning condition to ensure residential amenity. 
 
Emma Spence 
Planning Enforcement Officer 
Development Management  
Development and Economic Growth 
Argyll and Bute Council

Page 5

Email: Emma.Spence@argyll‐bute.gov.uk  Telephone: 01436 658712

Page 6

Argyll and Bute Council
Development & Economic Growth   
Planning Application Report and Report of Handling as required by Schedule 2 of the
Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland)
Regulations 2013 relative to applications for Planning Permission or Planning
Permission in Principle 
Reference No: 24/00570/PP
Planning Hierarchy: Local
Applicant: Mrs Melanie Andrews
Proposal: Change of use from Class 1A to Class 3 (retrospective)
Site Address:  81 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8BB    
DECISION ROUTE 
☒Delegated - Sect 43 (A) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
☐Committee - Local Government Scotland Act 1973 
(A)  THE APPLICATION 
(i) Development Requiring Express Planning Permission
• Change of use from Class 1A to Class 3 
(ii) Other specified operations
• None 
(B) RECOMMENDATION: 
Having due regard to the Development Plan and all other material considerations, it
is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and
reasons appended to this report. 
(C) CONSULTATIONS:   
Environmental Health
Consulted: 27.03.2024   Response: 19.04.2024 
The Applicant should contact Environmental Health to discuss a suitable kitchen
layout and an application for registration of a food business should be completed
prior to commencing food operations. The Applicant should ensure suitable means
of ventilation. A Ventilation System Design for commercial kitchen should be
submitted to the Planning Authority and approved in writing prior to the
commencement of development. 
Roads Authority
Consulted: 17.04.2024  Response: 27.03.2024

Page 7

No objections. The site is within the Main Town Centre and there are no
requirements to alter existing parking provision. 
(D) HISTORY:   
23/00559/PREAPP – Change of use enquiry [20.03.2023]
23/02487/CLWP – Change of Use enquiry [returned] [03.01.2024] 
(E) PUBLICITY:   
Helensburgh Advertiser Published 11.04.2024  - Expired 02.05.2024 
(F) REPRESENTATIONS:   
(i) Representations received from: 
Pamela Korzeniewski, 74 Dennistoun Crescent, Helensburgh 15.04.2024
Michael McCann, 80 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, 03.04.2024, 19.04.2024
Tina McCann, 80 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, 02.04.2024 & 17.04.2024
Alison Newbon, NO ADDRESS, 08.04.2024
Andrew Newbon, NO ADDRESS, 08.04.2024
Angela Reitano, 83 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, 25.05.2024, 26.05.2024 
Representations are published in full on the planning application file and are available
to view via the Public Access section of the Council’s website. 
(ii) Summary of issues raised: 
• The access lane to the side of the premises is regularly obstructed by vehicles
and outdoor seating associated with the Tearoom.
• There is regular use of a disabled parking bay on the public road by customers
of the Tearoom, including those without a Blue Badge. If the café were to
operate in the evening, the disabled parking bay would never be available. 
• The Tearoom has caused an increased demand for roadside parking spaces. 
Officer Comment: 81 West Clyde Street is within the Main Town Centre and
benefits from roadside parking spaces and footfall of town centre users. Given
the small size of the unit, the change of use to Class 3 is not expected to place
significant demand on parking spaces. The Roads Authority has been
consulted and have highlighted no concerns or objections to the proposed
change of use. The Tearoom utilises the public footpath immediately in front of
the premises for additional customer seating in line with The Town and Country
Planning (General Permitted Development and Use Classes) (Scotland)
Miscellaneous Amendment Order 2023. An Informative can be added to the
Decision Notice to highlight the Council’s Street Café Guidance to ensure the

Page 8

public road is not obstructed by street café furniture. Concerns regarding
inappropriate use of Blue Badges and unauthorised occupation of disabled
parking bays are outwith the scope of this application and can be reported to
the Roads Authority via the Council’s website. 
• An expansion of business activities will lead to increased smells of cooking and
noise levels.
• Extraction will cause smells into neighbouring garden. 
• Since the café has opened cooking smells have pervaded bedroom and living
areas. 
Officer comment: The requirements for kitchen ventilation are considered
below. During the course of the application process the Applicant has installed
a window fan to aid ventilation. There is no proposed installation of extractor
fan system or external flue. To minimise undue harm to residential amenity
through smells/odours, a planning condition can be applied to ensure no
intensification of cooking by restricting use of deep fat fryers. 
• Customers stand directly outside the front door of the neighbouring residential
units. This presents an invasion of privacy as customers can look directly into
the home when residents enter or exit. 
• Customers of the Tearoom frequently obstruct access to adjoining homes by
standing on the pavement, waiting to be served. 
Officer Comments: Two residential properties (Nos 79 & 80) have main doors
opening directly on to the public footpath. The residential doors are sandwiched
between the shop door for the Tearoom (No. 81) and the shop door for the
shop at No 77. 
• The Applicant has installed a commercial cooker. Residents are concerned that
the building is not compliant with fire regulations. 
Officer Comment: The kitchen equipment comprises a large oven with electric
hob, an Air Fryer, and baking equipment. There is no apparent apparatus for
deep fat cooking, and the risk of fire through largely domestic cooking
apparatus is considered no higher than within the adjoining residential units.
The Area Building Standards office has confirmed that no additional structural
fire safety measures are required. 
• No sound proofing. Constantly disturbed by customer and staff loud
conversations as well as movement of furniture and cooking equipment. No
soft closure of external door which slams shut. 
Officer Comment: The main door does not appear to have changed since the
previous tenants of the unit, operating as an electronics retail store. The cafe
café is likely to attract more customers/ higher volume of customers and
therefore use of the main door than the previous use. During the course of the
application process the Applicant has installed insulation panels to the ceiling if
the unit, which should help to mitigate any noise disturbance. A planning

Page 9

condition can be applied to ensure reasonable daytime operating hours to
minimise harm to residential amenity in terms of noise disturbance. 
• The Scotland Use Order June 2023 (Litchfields UK) states that a Class 3
establishment must not be situated within 1m of a dwelling. 
Officer Comment: The Litchfields Use Order Guide referred to provides an
easy to use guise to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland)
Order 1997 (as amended). The Guide outlines that a change from Class 1a to
Class 3 is permitted (without planning permission) unless the unit is below any
part of a dwelling or within 1m of a dwelling. As the unit subject to this
application is situated below a residential dwelling, the permitted change of use
does not apply and planning permission is required rather than change not
being allowed.   
• The café has been in operation for 1 year without planning permission, fire
safety, building warrant and mechanical ventilation.
• The Applicant has not complied with regulations and has operated as a Class 3
unit for the past year. 
Officer Comment: This application is made retrospectively in response to
planning enforcement action. During the course of the application process the
Applicant has installed a window fan to aid ventilation. There is no requirement
to obtain permission from Building Standards for the changes proposed. 
• Inadequate toilet facilities for those with disabilities or using a wheelchair 
Officer Comment: The Applicant has advised that they offer no toilet facilities
to customers. One toilet is available for use by staff only. It does not appear
that the unit reaches the threshold to require toilet provision for customers. This
is not a material planning consideration. 
• Adequacy of sewerage and drainage with increased level of activity 
Officer Comment: There is no proposed increase in the use of sewerage
infrastructure. The Applicant has stated that the toilet on site is for staff use
only. There are no identified impact on drainage at the site. 
(G) SUPPORTING INFORMATION 
Has the application been the subject of: 
(i) Environmental Impact Assessment Report: ☐Yes ☒No 
(ii) An Appropriate Assessment under the
Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations
1994:   
☐Yes ☒No 
(iii) A Design or Design/Access statement:    ☐Yes ☒No 
(iv) A Sustainability Checklist  ☒Yes ☐No

Page 10

(with reference to the requirements of LDP2
Policy 04) 
Proposed change of use from Class 1A to Class
3 within the Main Town Centre, in line with
existing infrastructure and services.  
(v) A report on the impact of the proposed
development eg. Retail impact, transport
impact, noise impact, flood risk, drainage
impact etc:  
☐Yes ☒No 
(H) PLANNING OBLIGATIONS 
Is a Section 75 agreement required:   ☐Yes ☒No 
(I) Has a Direction been issued by Scottish Ministers in terms of Regulation 30,
31 or 32:  ☐Yes ☒No 
(J) Section 25 of the Act; Development Plan and any other material considerations
over and above those listed above which have been taken into account in the
assessment of the application 
(i)  List of all Development Plan Policy considerations taken into account
in assessment of the application. 
National Planning Framework 4 (Adopted 13th February 2023) 
Part 2 – National Planning Policy 
Sustainable Places
NPF4 Policy 1 – Tackling the Climate and Nature Crises
NPF4 Policy 2 – Climate Mitigation and Adaption
NPF4 Policy 3 – Biodiversity 
Liveable Places
NPF4 Policy 14 – Design, Quality and Place 
Productive Places
NPF4 Policy 27 – City, town, local and Commercial Centres
NPF4 Policy 28 – Retail 
Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan 2 (Adopted 2024) 
Spatial and Settlement Strategy
Policy 01 – Settlement Areas
Policy 04 – Sustainable Development 
High Quality Places
Policy 05 – Design and Placemaking
Policy 10 – Design – All Development

Page 11

Policy 11 – Design – Conversions and Change of Use
Policy 12 – Shopfront Design
Policy 14 – Bad Neighbour Development 
Connected Places
Policy 40 – Vehicle Parking Provision 
Sustainable Communities
Policy 45 – Supporting our Town Centres and Retailing
Policy 47 – Change of Use of Class 1 Shops in Core Shopping Areas 
Local Development Plan 2 Schedules 
(ii)  List of all other material planning considerations taken into account in
the assessment of the application, having due regard to Annex A of
Circular 3/2013. 
• Third Party Representations
• Consultation Reponses 
(K) Is the proposal a Schedule 2 Development not requiring an Environmental
Impact Assessment:  ☐Yes ☒No 
(L) Has the application been the subject of statutory pre-application consultation
(PAC):  ☐Yes ☒No 
(M) Does the Council have an interest in the site:  ☐Yes ☒No 
(N) Requirement for a pre-determination hearing: ☐Yes ☒No 
(O)(i) Key Constraints/Designations Affected by the Development:
• None 
(O)(ii) Soils
Agricultural Land Classification:  Built Up Area
Peatland/Carbon Rich Soils Classification: ☐Class 1
☐Class 2
☐Class 3
☒N/A
Peat Depth Classification: N/A  
Does the development relate to croft land? ☐Yes ☒No
Would the development restrict access to croft
or better quality agricultural land?
☐Yes ☐No ☒N/A

Page 12

Would the development result in
fragmentation of croft / better quality
agricultural land?
☐Yes ☐No ☒N/A 
(O)(iii) Woodland  
Will the proposal result in loss of
trees/woodland? 
☐Yes
☒No 
☐Yes
☐No details to be secured by condition
☒N/A  
(O)(iv) Land Status / LDP Settlement Strategy
Status of Land within the Application  ☒Brownfield
☐Brownfield Reclaimed by Nature
☐Greenfield 
ABC LDP2 Settlement Strategy 
☒Settlement Area
☐Countryside Area
☐Remote Countryside Area
☐Helensburgh & Lomond Greenbelt
ABC LDP2 Allocations/PDAs/AFAs etc: 
• Area for Action: Helensburgh Town
Centre and Waterfront
• Main Town Centre 
(P) Summary assessment and summary of determining issues and material
considerations 
Preliminaries
This retrospective application is made following planning enforcement action (case
reference: 24/00037/ENOTH3). 
The site
The application site is within the Settlement Area (Helensburgh Town Centre) and
accords with LDP2 Policy 01 (Settlement Area). This site comprises a small retail
unit to the ground floor at 81 West Clyde Street. There is a residential dwelling (No.
80), to the upper floor(s), accessed from the adjoining public footpath. A further
residential dwelling (No.79) sits above the retail unit at No. 79 and is also accessed
form the adjacent public footpath. A vehicle passageway runs alongside No 81,
allowing access to the residential units behind. Retail units are interspersed with
eateries including cafes and hot food takeaways along the Town Centre section of
West Clyde Street. 
Town Centre
The unit is outwith the Core Shopping Area, and so presents no conflict with LDP2
Policy 45 (Supporting our Town Centres and Retailing). Rather, the change to Class
3 is supported by NPF4 Policy 27(a) (City, Town, Local and Commercial Centres)
which encourages development that increase the mix of uses within the town centre. 
A change of use from retail (Class 1A) to café (Class 3) is in keeping and compatible
with the landscape character of the area in accordance with LDP2 Policy 04(i)
(Sustainable Development), LDP2 Policy 05 (Design and Placemaking), and LDP2
Policy 45 (Supporting our Town Centres and Retailing).

Page 13

Design
The previous shop front is largely retained, with no changes proposed to doors and
windows. The change of use involves internal alterations including the installation of
a kitchen. No alterations are to be made to the side elevation such as installation of
external flue or extraction system. A window fan has been installed to the kitchen
window, viewable only from the passageway to the side elevation. On the side
elevation there are no windows to the first floor dwelling, and no openings other than
a small external extraction fan. As there are no material changes to the design of the
unit, there is no conflict with LDP2 Policies 10 (Design), 11 (Conversions and Change
of Use), 12 (Shopfront Design), or NPF4 Policy 14 (Design, Quality and Place). 
Residential Amenity
LDP2 Policy 14 (Bad Neighbour Development) sets out a resistant to development
where there is an unacceptable adverse impact upon the amenity of neighbouring
land uses through noise, vibration, odour or fumes. Representations have been
made objecting to the levels of noise and food/cooking odours from the café. The
Area Building Standards officer has confirmed that no further works were required to
the unit for it to operate as a class 3 business. During the course of the application
process the Applicant has completed works to the ceiling of the unit which should
help to minimise noise disturbance to occupants of the dwelling above. Whilst it is
appreciated that the volume of customers to the tearoom/café will be greater than
that of the previous electrical retail unit, there should be a reasonable expectation of
noise during working hours from commercial units adjoining residential dwellings
within the Town Centre. Nonetheless a planning condition is applied to restrict
operating hours to ensure any risk of noise disturbance is minimised to within day
time operating hours. 
The kitchen area comprises a large oven with electric hob, an air fryer, and baking
equipment. It is not expected that the type of food prepared would cause excessive
and unacceptable odour detrimental to the adjoining residential properties. A window
fan has been fitted to provide necessary ventilation within the kitchen. As a
requirement from the Area Environmental Health officer the installation of the fan is
primarily concerned with ensuring safe and comfortable working conditions for staff
within the unit. A condition is applied to this permission to restrict the type of cooking
allowed to ensure odours from cooking are minimised. 
The application of planning conditions will ensure that harm to residential amenity
through the Class 3 use is minimised. The proposal therefore accords with LDP2
Policy 14 (Bad Neighbour Development). 
Parking Provision
As noted by the Area Roads Officer, as the site is within the Main Town Centre, no
requirements for parking provision are required, in accordance with LDP2 Policy 40
(Parking Provision). 
Sustainability & Biodiversity
The proposed change of use will have a neutral effect on NPF4 Policies 1, 2, and 3
(Climate & Nature Crisis, Climate Mitigation, Biodiversity). 
Conclusion
This application seeks planning permission to change the use of a Class 1A retail
unit to a Class 3 café. Objections regarding risk of harm to residential amenity
through noise and odour can be addressed through the application of planning
conditions. In this case it is considered reasonable to restrict opening hours and
method of cooking (i.e no deep fat frying) to minimise disruption to adjoining

Page 14

residents. The change of use class within the designated Main Town Centre is
supported by the Local Development Plan. For the reasons set out in this report, it is
recommended that this application is approved. 
(Q) Is the proposal consistent with the Development Plan: ☒Yes ☐No 
(R) Reasons why Planning Permission or Planning Permission in Principle Should
be Granted: 
Having due regard to the Development Plan and all other material considerations, it
is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and
reasons appended to this report. 
(S) Reasoned justification for a departure to the provisions of the Development
Plan 
N/A 
(T) Need for notification to Scottish Ministers or Historic Environment Scotland:
☐Yes ☒No 
Author of Report: Emma Spence Date: 18.06.2024 
Reviewing Officer: Kirsty Sweeney Date: 19.06.2024 
Fergus Murray
Head of Development & Economic Growth

Page 15

CONDITIONS AND REASONS RELATIVE TO APPLICATION REF. NO. 24/00570/PP 
Standard Time Limit Condition  (as defined by Regulation) 
Additional Conditions  
1. PP - Approved Details & Standard Notes – Non EIA Development 
The development shall be implemented in accordance with the details specified on the
application form dated 26.03.2024, supporting information and the approved drawings
listed in the table below, unless the prior written approval of the planning authority is
obtained for an amendment to the approved details under Section 64 of the Town and
Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. 
Plan Title. Plan Ref. No. Version Date Received
Location & Block
Plan
Existing Floor Plan
and Image
415 (2) 001 - 26.03.2024 
Reason: For the purpose of clarity, to ensure that the development is implemented in
accordance with the approved details.  
2. The approved Class 3 Café shall only operate between 08:00 hours and 18:00 hours. 
Reason:  In the interests of residential amenity  
3. The permission hereby granted does not allow for the use of cooking with deep fat
fryers within the premises. The permission allows only for a `domestic’ scale of cooking
within the premises and any intensification shall be the subject of a separate
application for planning permission. 
Reason: In the interests of residential amenity and in terms of the limited ventilation
system in operation.

Page 16

ADDITIONAL NOTES TO APPLICANT 
1. In line with guidance form Environmental Health, the Applicant should ensure suitable
ventilation system within the kitchen in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive
Catering Information Sheet No.10 (Ventilation in catering kitchens).
2. Under s.59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 Roads Authority Consent may be required
to place tables, chairs, or other temporary furniture outside the premises for customer
use. Please see Argyll and Bute’s Street Café Guidance for compliance details.

Page 17

APPENDIX TO DECISION APPROVAL NOTICE 
Appendix relative to application 24/00570/PP 
(A) Has the application required an obligation under Section 75 of the
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended):
☐Yes ☒No 
(B) Has the application been the subject of any “non-material”
amendment in terms of Section 32A of the Town and Country
Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) to the initial submitted
plans during its processing.
☐Yes ☒No 
(C) Is the proposal consistent with the Development Plan? ☒Yes ☐No 
(D) The reason why planning permission has been approved: 
Having due regard to the Development Plan and all other material considerations, it
is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and
reasons appended to this report.

Page 18

Site
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office (C) Crown Copyright 2009. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and
may lead to prosecution or Civil Proceedings. OS License No.100023368, 2010.
°
Date: 26.08.24
LRB Ref. no. 24/00013/LRB
81 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh
Scale: 1:1,250Drawn By: kmk