PLANS for an agricultural storage building on a quiet site near Cardross have been thrown out by councillors.

The facility was proposed to be built on a site near Darleith Lodge, around two miles north of the village, under the plans by Craig Cant.

But members of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee refused planning permission at a meeting on Wednesday, August 19.

A council officer had recommended that the plans should be turned down after the authority received 72 objections.

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Cardross Community Council had also registered its opposition to the application.

Councillor Richard Trail said during the meeting: “I have to say I find this application rather puzzling.

“This is an industrial site, essentially being built on green belt, land up an access road which is suffering from wear and tear from use by HGV vehicles already.

“I am not minded to support this at all.”

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Councillor Lorna Douglas added: “I walk up this road a lot and it is really busy with the number of people out walking just now.

“I am in agreement that planning permission should be refused.”

Councillor David Kinniburgh, chair of the committee, said: “This road is entirely unsuitable for this type of operation and I support the recommendation.”

The committee, consisting of 12 councillors from across Argyll and Bute, then unanimously decided to refuse planning permission.

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A supporting statement by architects The Hay Partnership, submitted as part of the planning process, had highlighted its perceived lack of such facilities in the area.

The architects said: “It is a result of the very limited number of industrial and storage premises in and around Helensburgh and Cardross that the applicant has resorted to endeavouring to build a bespoke unit.

“The sylvan setting will ensure that the new building and yard remain fairly discreet and the suggested design, materials and colour will further help to integrate the building into the setting.

“Overall it is hoped that Argyll and Bute Council will recognise the shortfall in availability of such premises for local companies and will appreciate the efforts the applicant is making to create a new facility in as appropriate a manner as possible.”

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