Two parking meters at Melbourne Road, North Berwick

What was proposed

The application proposed two solar-powered parking meters, bollards and a kerbed area on Melbourne 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…”

“Planning permission is also sought for the installation of bollards and the formation of a kerbed area at the site of the parking meter proposed on the footway opposite no. Melbourne Road. The kerbed area would be formed in front of the proposed parking meter with 0.67m high black bollards positioned at either corner of it, the purpose of which is to protect the meter and users of meter from potential vehicle strikes.”

Officer report

Changes to the proposal

The application formed part of twelve applications for North Berwick and was revised to remove a third Melbourne Road meter.

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

“Since the application was registered revised drawings have been received omitting a third parking meter from the proposals that was proposed to be installed on the footway between nos. 16 and 17 Melbourne Road.”

Officer report

What speakers said

Speakers criticised the meters’ effect on beach views, the landscape, seawall maintenance and visually impaired people, while an alternative position was discussed.

What members discussed

Members considered that the meters would not harm beach views, that protecting residents’ windows was well thought through and that car turnover could help.

“Committee members commented that: the small parking meters would not have a visual impact on the views to and from the beach; the avoidance of impact on residents’ windows was an example of well thought through proposals; a turnover of cars in this area would be beneficial; and they gave support to the work of Planners in response to comments made by objectors.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members voted for the officer 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

Planning permission was granted for the development.

“A report had been submitted in relation to planning application no. 25/00731/P. [name withheld] presented the report, highlighting the salient points. The report recommendation was to grant consent.”

Minutes

Approval conditions

The approval requires a three-year start period, a clear footway width and two road safety audits for the meter and infrastructure opposite number 13.

“The parking meter to be positioned on the north side of the road on the footway opposite no. Melbourne Road as 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.”

“Prior to the commencement of development a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority, which shall be undertaken for the detailed design of the parking meter and associated infrastructure to be positioned on the north side of the road on the footway opposite no. Melbourne Road (shown in inset B on docketed drawing no.”

Minutes