Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr Robin Purdie, 16 High Cross Avenue, Melrose, for review of refusal of the planning application in respect of change of use from retail (Class 1) to mortgage shop (Class 2) and external re-decoration at 37, Bank Street, Galashiels. The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; officer’s report; papers referred to in the officer’s report; consultations; and a list of relevant policies.  Members noted that the application was for a Class 2 use and that the site, formerly a retail unit and now vacant, was within the Core Activity Area in Galashiels where policy normally opposed any uses other than Classes 1 and 3. They also noted that the recently approved Town Centre Core Activity Area Pilot Study 2018 applied to Galashiels town centre and was material to their deliberations.  Although the mortgage shop did not fall within the range of uses identified in the Pilot Study beyond the approved classes, Members attached weight to the fact that the proposal was for a ‘drop-in’ facility which would retain the traditional shop frontage.  Their ensuing discussion focused on whether the applicant had demonstrated that the business would make a positive contribution to the vitality of the town centre.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)        the request for a review had been competently made in terms of Section 43A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;

(b)       the review could be considered without the need for any further procedure on the basis of the papers submitted;

(c)        the proposal would be in keeping with the Development Plan; and

(d)       the officer’s decision to refuse the application be reversed and planning permission be granted subject to conditions, for the reasons detailed in Appendix III to this Minute.