SIGNS for a new drive-thru Costa Coffee in Dumbarton have been given the green light – despite planning permission for the cafe being refused.
Members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee rejected planning permission for the drive-thru, which would have been situated on Glasgow Road near the Morrisons supermarket, last December.
That refusal is now the subject of an appeal to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division however, and councillors were told this meant under planning legislation the council could not withhold determination of this application for the illuminated sign pending the outcome of the appeal.
It also means granting the application does not imply that the drive-thru coffee shop is now acceptable.
Members of the planning committee were advised that Costa Coffee had applied for a “Drive-thru” sign to be located near the proposed coffee with an illuminated Costa Coffee sign located inside the building.
Mike Powell, an agent for the applicant, said: “This application is for the signage associated with the proposed drive thru which is currently at its appeal.
“It is important to note that the signage application has no bearing on the current appeal and must be determined on safety and amenity conditions only. The proposals are made up of illuminated and non-illuminated signs as well as pole signs.”
Councillors were informed about concerns raised about the application from Dumbarton East and Central Community Council.
They objected on the grounds of noise, road safety in relation to traffic levels and incidents of speeding, number of fast food outlets in the area and proposed signage being excessive.
Councillor Karen Conaghan said: “I was wondering if a condition could be added that no signs could be erected until consent for the coffee shop was actually granted.”
Building standards manager Pamela Clifford responded: “The majority of the signage is in relation to the building which cannot be developed unless permission is granted by the appeals unit.
“To put a condition on would be quite reasonable I think but it is a matter for the agent directly.”
Following the discussion, the application was granted unanimously.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel