Town centre landscaping at Land within the central core of Greenock, centred around the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Bullring roundabout and the

“This application seeks consent for public realm enhancements, comprising alteration of existing amenity/public and green spaces and the creation of new public realm and landscaped amenity spaces together with a network of footpaths and active travel routes. The plans submitted consider the wider Greenock central project, with the application playing a key role in tying together the previously consented schemes to ensure a cohesive and high-quality development.”

“Soft landscaping proposals comprise of retention of existing trees and planting trees, hedges, amenity grass, wetland meadow, rain garden planting and mixed planting areas. Hard landscaping comprises of areas of asphalt/sandstone/natural stone pedestrian footways, tactile paving granite setts vehicle loading, concrete slabs with a variety of proposed kerb types.”

“The application site extends to approximately 1.93 hectares and is irregularly shaped. I t relates to the existing civic public space to the western side of the Municipal Buildings, the site of the Hector McNeil House, Wallace Place, Hunters Place, extending along the High Street at the road verge of the A78 trunk road and flyover, Bullring Roundabout, Dalrymple Street and Container Way adjacent to the Waterfront Retail Park within the Greenock Town Centre.”

“Road infrastructure works relating to the project include the deconstruction of the A8/A78 trunk road with reinstatement at street level, reconfiguration of the Bullring Roundabout to provide a smaller signalised junction with the aim of creating a safer and more attractive town centre, retaining and enhancing Clyde Square and connecting the east and west of the town with a more traditional pattern of streets, squares and quality public realm space.”

“The project involves the demolition of around 40% of the eastern part of the Oak Mall, the creation of a new Oak Mall entrance and façade to the west of the new road alignment with a smaller mall continuing to operate and connecting to Dalrymple Street and West Blackhall Street.”

“Notwithstanding the original applications noted above, the current project proposes to demolish the elevated section of the A78, with the road instated at street level, the Bullring roundabout is to become a signalised junction and Hector McNeill House is to be demolished. The roads related works will be carried out primarily under roads legislation and the demolition of Hector McNeil House is permitted development.”

“Based on the above assessment, it can be concluded that the proposal would improve upon the visual amenity and functional quality of the town centre. By acceptance of the landscaping proposals associated with the wider redevelopment proposals presented by this application a flexible and proactive approach is taken in addressing the new opportunities to diversify the town centre, to accelerate urban greening and make sustainable use of assets to benefit communities and the…”

“Section 25 of The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 requires that planning applications be determined in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The proposal, subject to the conditions as set out below, accords with National Planning Framework 4, the adopted and proposed Inverclyde Local Development Plan and with Historic Environment Scotland’s policy and guidance to preserve and enhance the historic environment.”

“The existing road network and car parking which surrounds the Municipal Buildings at Wallace Place and the Bullring roundabout and A78 flyover presently focus on vehicular movement which is considered to detract from the setting, prominence and architectural significance of the Category ‘A’ Municipal Buildings and Conservation Area.”

“The layout and positioning of the amenity spaces and landscaping works are generally supported within this town centre location to improve upon the vitality, viability of the town centre with an overall positive visual impact. The spaces are located at visually prominent locations which will be naturally overlooked by the surrounding buildings and the road network. This ensures the creation of safe spaces.”

“Transport Scotland – offer no objection to the application subject to conditions being applied to any grant consent. The conditions requested are summarised below. These relate to the requirement for detailed plans, maintenance responsibility agreement, a Construction Management Plan, construction vehicle safety, lighting, drainage connections and details of landscaping treatment along the trunk road, including installation and maintenance provision.”

“The submission and approval of detailed plans to a standard compliant with design standards to ensure safety. Prior to commencement of works, written agreement shall be obtained from the Council and TS regarding the revised cross-boundary extents and any associated responsibilities for maintenance and management. 3.”

“The application was advertised in the Greenock Telegraph on 5th December 2025 as a development affecting a conservation area and the setting of a listed building.”

“Lots of green spaces and reduction of parking spaces in Wallace Place and Bullring Car Park. Could the green areas in Wallace Place and across the street in front of the retail park not be changed to parking spaces. More parking is required to encourage visitors to the town centre. • The landscape overview shows Hunters Place whereas the street sign and toilets sign say Hunter Place, as it’s known.”

“After discussion, Councillor Brooks moved that consideration of the application be continued to a future meeting to allow the provision of further information in respect of disabled parking provision to Members to inform consideration of Policy 13 of NPF4.”

“As an amendment, Councillor Curley moved that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions contained in the report.”

“Following a roll call vote, 1 Member, Councillor Brooks voted in favour of the motion and 9 Members, Provost McKenzie, Councillors Armstrong, Crowther, Curley, Hellyer, Jackson, McCabe, McGuire and McVey voted in favour of the amendment which was declared carried.”