Michael Mcglynn

Controversial plans to change the use of a Bothwell Main Street premises from shops to a licensed restaurant were given the goahead this week.

Applicant SJC Developments’ proposal attracted 14 letters of objection, some of them from those neighbouring the 29 Main Street building which sits within the village conservation area.

The lower half of the detached two-storey building, accessed from Main Street and Ferry Road, is currently used as a charity shop.

SJC Developments propose creating new parking spaces at the rear of the stone building, accessed from Ferry Road.

Opponents complained about increased noise created by another village restaurant, congestion and obstruction and parking problems in the vicinity of the premises.

But South Lanarkshire planning chief Michael Mcglynn told the council’s planning committee the potential for increased noise at the property and the nearby area would not be “of a material extent where the refusal of the consent could be justified.”

He also said there was adequate space for 16 offstreet parking spaces.

The council’s roads and transportation service supported parking layout proposals, adding: “Whether or not there is servitude right of access through the rear car park that would limit its capacity is not a material

But Mr Mcglynn pointed out: “Whether or not the proposed restaurant would bring further competition to the area is not a material planning consideration.

“It is noted that the change of use would reduce the numbers of retail establishments within the area but, given that Main Street is a vibrant, successful, traditional shopping street, the retail offer should not be significantly damaged by the proposal.”