Proposals from EG On The Move to build a new filling station complete with seven EV charging bays and a drive-through restaurant a stone’s throw from Glasgow Airport have been refused by the local authority.
The firm had intended to bring a new-to-sector forecourt to fruition at the St James Interchange in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
But while Renfrewshire Council’s planning officers recommended the scheme go ahead, the project did not meet the approval of the authority’s planning and climate change committee.
Speaking at a meeting of the committee, councillor Kenny MacLaren described a road that would have abutted the forecourt as “a peaceful single-sided cul de sac comprising just 31 Edwardian terraced villas”, and argued that allowing a 24-hour petrol station to be built close to this would “have a significant impact on the amenity of the surrounding area”.
He added: “Introducing a large commercial development of this nature…would fundamentally alter the character and tranquillity of the area. I am gravely concerned about the resulting loss of safety, privacy and the peaceful enjoyment of homes.”
Citing concerns over increased noise, litter, and the 25% rise in traffic the project would likely bring, Cllr MacLaren moved for the planning application to be refused, which the committee then did.
