A FORMER Greenock pub can be turned into a convenience store, a Government planning expert has ruled.
Inverclyde Planning Board voted against the change-of-use application for the Broomhill Tavern on Drumfrochar Road in May.
Council planning officers had recommended that permission be granted but councillors disagreed raising concerns about lack of parking and road safety.
But the decision has now been overturned after applicant MBJB Property appealed.
A report issued by Julie Seidel-Gregory, who was appointed by the Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division to rule on the case, states: “I acknowledge that the appeal site has no dedicated parking. However, at my site inspection I noticed that there are car parks to the rear of the site and a large layby to the front of the building. I also noted that there are opportunities for on-street parking in the vicinity.
“I have had regard to the council’s transportation service who recommend the installation of bollards across the frontage of the building. I find that this would be an acceptable intervention to deter pavement parking and adequately protect pedestrian safety.
“I am also mindful of the existing use of the building and that it operated as a public house for an extended period of time. I have no information before me to suggest there was an inherent parking safety concern in relation to the previous operation of the appeal building or the operations of the other commercial units at Broomhill Way.
“I am not persuaded that customers and delivery vehicles would park in the bus stop when there are other opportunities for safe parking nearby.”
The report continues: “I find that the proposed retail unit would provide an active frontage, would improve the amenity and character of the area and contribute to the perception of safety.
“I am satisfied from the appeal submissions that the proposed retail unit would contribute to local living and the vitality and viability of the local community. I consider that the proposed development would be compatible with the established residential character of the area and would complement the small parade of commercial units to the west of the site.
“I do not find that the proposed development would have an unbearable impact on traffic generation or parking locally or result in an unmanageable increase in antisocial behaviour.”
