AN appeal has been lodged after Inverclyde Council refused permission for a former Greenock pub to be turned into a convenience store.
Inverclyde Planning Board voted against the change-of-use application for the Broomhill Tavern on Drumfrochar Road in May.
Council planners officers had recommended that permission be granted but councillors disagreed raising concerns about lack of parking and road safety.
Applicants MBJB Property are now hoping the Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division will overturn the decision.
Their appeal statement argues: “The [planning] authority’s conclusion that the proposed shop would necessarily generate greater traffic and parking demand than the existing lawful public-house use is unsupported. A public house could host sports broadcasts, live entertainment, quiz nights and private functions, any of which could attract more custom than a local convenience shop.
“The possibility that customers may stop and park briefly on Drumfrochar Road to shop is not, of itself, a valid planning reason for refusal.
“The site is located within an established high-density residential area where walking trips to the proposed shop are likely. It is also served by nearby bus stops, lay-by parking and off-street parking. The proposal is well placed to serve local day-to-day needs without relying solely on private car trips.
“The [planning] authority’s reasoning is flawed. If the appeal is allowed, the proposal would bring a vacant building back into active commercial use, create active street frontage, support local living, and contribute to the vitality of the surrounding area.”
The appeal will be assigned to a Government-appointed planning expert for consideration.
