Three retail units at 51 Machan Road, Larkhall

“Subdivision and use of former nursery as 3no. Class 1A premises and associated works…”

“Site Description 2.1. The site relates to a vacant commercial building at 51 Machan Road, Larkhall which is adjacent to an area of open space. The site is within the settlement of Larkhall as defined in the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2.”

“The rectangular site is approximately 0.13ha, including 560m 2 of public open space currently in Council ownership. Any transfer of ownership would require the appropriate process to be undertaken separately from the consideration of this planning application. The site lies adjacent to a church, with the surrounding area primarily comprising residential properties.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1. A planning application (Ref. P/24/0852) was withdrawn prior to determination at this location and sought permission to form retail units on the ground floor with a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the upper floor.”

“Assessment and Discussion 10.1. Principle of Development Policies 9 and 12 of NPF4 aim to encourage and facilitate the sustainable reuse of vacant and empty buildings to reduce the reliance on greenfield development and minimise waste. The building is currently vacant, therefore a proposal to bring the building into use aligns with the intention of these policies.”

“The site is ideally located to serve as a neighbourhood shop which can be accessed by sustainable means. Objections were received regarding limited parking availability and road safety concerns. The proposed car park meets the recommended parking standard for the scale of development and the Roads Authority have confirmed that they find the proposal acceptable.”

“Consultations 6.1. Roads Development Management - The proposed access arrangements and parking provision are acceptable. Response: Noted…”

“Environmental Services - No adverse comments or objections. Response: Noted.”

“Amenity • Noise • Waste • Privacy • Pollution • Loss of green/open space…”

“Access • Road safety • Increased traffic • Insufficient parking…”

“There followed a discussion on the application during which an officer responded to a member’s question on an aspect of the report.”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/25/1121 by S Cheema for the subdivision and use of a former nursery as 3 class 1A premises and associated works at 51 Machan Road, Larkhall be granted subject to the conditions specified in the Executive Director’s report.”