Business-to-home conversion at 2 Station Road, Langbank, Port Glasgow

“Proposal This application seeks planning permission for a change of use of a vacant building (previously a doctor's surgery) to a residential dwelling (Class 9) at 2 Station Road, Langbank.”

“The existing single storey building is proposed to remain, with internal works to convert the previously existing doctor's surgery to a residential dwelling, including living room, bathroom, kitchen, and a maximum of 4 bedrooms. The property is surrounded by a large curtilage which is accessed from Station Road with the surrounding area.”

“The existing access to the west of the building is proposed to be used in the conversion, with the existing tarmac car park to be converted to garden ground and a driveway/parking for the residential dwelling. The building is set below street level and separated from the adjacent grass verge on Station Road by a stone retaining wall. The property is finished in red brick and brown rooftiles and features brown uPVC windows and doors.”

“Site Description The application site is located in a primarily residential area and fronts Station Road to the south. The site is bound to the north by a railway line, with Langbank Train Station and a wooded area to the to the northwest, and residential dwellings to the east and south.”

“Background The Planning and Climate Change Policy Board at its meeting on 26 th May 2026 considered the attached report of handling and decided to continue the consideration of the report to allow for confirmation from the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board and NHS Board in terms of potential future utilisation of the site and the alternative solution for the residents of Langbank should the application be granted as agreed unanimously.”

“As stated in the published paper by the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board, no other local surgeries were willing to take over the building previously occupied by the New Surgery for the same reasons outlined above.”

“Consultations ▪ Environmental Protection - No objections subject to a condition requiring a Noise Impact Assessment to be submitted prior to the occupation of the building as a residential dwellinghouse. This is considered in more detail in the Assessment section below.”

“Network Rail – No objections subject to the inclusion of advisory notes relating to operational railway matters during the construction phase of the proposal.”

“Representations The application has been publicised in line with the requirements of the relevant legislation.”

“The issues raised can be summarised as follows: The building was previously used as a GP surgery and remains one of the few premises within Langbank that appears suitable for healthcare or wider community use. At present, Langbank does not have a pharmacy or GP surgery, meaning residents are required to travel to nearby towns to access essential services, including prescription machines. The former surgery also provided a dispensing service, which is no longer available.”

“Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.”

“Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that the application be refused as the proposed development did not accord with policy 15 of National Planning Framework 4 in that the proposal would impact upon local health provision and local living.”

“DECIDED: That the planning application be refused as the proposed development did not accord with policy 15 of National Planning Framework 4 in that the proposal would impact upon local health provision and local living.”