Two parking meters at St Margaret's Road, North Berwick

What was proposed

Planning permission was sought for two solar-powered parking meters on the public footway at St Margarets Road.

“_________ _______________________________________________________ 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…”

“One would be positioned on the west side of the road on the footway close to the access to No.6 St Margarets Road, with the other positioned on the south side of the road on the footway between nos. 16 and 18 St Margarets Road. 7 67”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The meters would stand beside residential properties within the North Berwick Conservation Area and would not attach to buildings.

“The proposed parking meters would be sited within North Berwick Conservation Area.”

“The Design Statement informs that North Berwick Conservation Area includes a variety of land uses including residential, retail, commercial, leisure and recreation. Milsey Bay and West Bay beaches, as well as the West Links Golf Course are also included within the Conservation Area boundary.”

Officer report

Related applications

This application formed part of 12 applications proposing 27 parking meters in different North Berwick locations.

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

Officer report

Public speakers

One speaker objected to clutter and pavement space, while another objected to the visual change from a rural to urban environment.

Committee discussion

Members discussed walking distances, a steep road section, an unadopted private road and possible displacement of parking onto that road.

“Responding to a question from Councillor Findlay, [name withheld] explained that locations had been proposed to ensure there were only short walking distances to parking meters, and pointed out that one of the meters served a very steep section of St Margarets Road. He also advised that St. Margarets Court had not been adopted by the Roads Authority.”

“Councillor Findlay raised concern that drivers would park on the private road to avoid the parking control zone. The Convener commented on the heavy use of the private road for parking already, and supported the addition of these parking meters to control the parking of those cars whose drivers could not find a space in the town centre.”

Minutes

The vote

Members supported the officer’s recommendation, except Councillor Findlay, who voted against it.

“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.”

Minutes

The decision

Consent was granted, subject to starting within three years and retaining at least 1.2 metres of unobstructed footway.

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

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

Minutes