Parking meter installation at Quadrant, North Berwick

“_________ _______________________________________________________ COMMITTEE: Planning Committee MEETING DATE: October 2025 BY: Executive Director for Place REPORT TITLE: Application for Planning Permission for Consideration _______________________________________________________________________ Note: This application was called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor Findlay for the following reason: Given the level of opposition both from residents of these…”

“The parking meter proposed to be instated would be an MS1 Parking Terminals, measuring 317 x 305 x 1524mm high. It would have a black frontage housed within a high security stainless steel body, and protected with an anti-graffiti coating. It would be solar powered and would be able to accept cash or cashless payments (chip and pin or contactless card payments).”

“A Design Statement has been submitted in support of the application, which states that the main driver of the proposals to install parking meters in North Berwick is to reduce current parking issues identified in the town.”

“This application is one of 12 applications proposing a total of 27 parking meters in different locations in North Berwick.”

“The proposed parking meter would be of a slim linear form and design, being only 317mm across by 305mm in width and 1524mm high. Although visible in public views it would be positioned within a footway build out and seen in relation to other street furniture in the form of streetlights, a bin and bollards with which it would have a visual relationship. It would also typically be viewed in the context of parked vehicles.”

“The Council's Flooding & Structures Officer advises that SEPA's Flood Hazard Mapping indicates that the site is not at risk from a flood event with a return period of 1 in 200 years, plus climate change. That is the 0.5% annual risk of a flood occurring in any one year, with an allowance for climate change.”

“North Berwick Community Council as a consultee on the application object to the proposed development. The Community Council advise that the Council has a duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 to ensure the character and appearance of the Conservation Area are preserved or enhanced, and state that the proposed parking meters are sizeable columns in a number of different locations within the Conservation Area and, whilst certain…”

“The Community Council advise that this is just one application, but the cumulative impact of all of the meters will also be a consideration. They state that the submitted Design Statement assesses impact on trees and listed buildings, but fails in its fundamental purpose by not assessing or otherwise referring to the impact on the Conservation Area.”

“[name withheld] questioned how the placement of this parking meter could be said to be preserving the character of the conservation area. [name withheld] added that the cabinet would add urban clutter to an open space and spoil a lovely part of North Berwick. She described this proposal as being one of the ‘worst offenders’.”

“Councillor McMillan commented that the position had been thoughtfully chosen on the important access and egress point to the town, and felt it would improve safety. The Convener added that the build out would not obstruct use of the footpath, and he considered that the scale and size of the cabinet would have no major impact on the area of open space.”

“The Convener then moved to a roll call vote on the officer’s recommendation to grant consent. Planning Committee members voted in support of the officer’s recommendation, apart from Councillor Findlay, who voted against the recommendation.”

“The development hereby approved shall begin before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission.”

“The parking meter hereby approved shall be installed such that it allows at least 1.2 metres unobstructed clear footway width to remain available for users of the footway.”