Old Kilpatrick Depot and one of the buses which used to park there.
By Democrat reporter
Residents of Old Kilpatrick have reacted angrily to proposals for a street food market in the old Central SM bus depot on the outskirts of the West Dunbartonshire village.
Plans have been submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council by Helensburgh businessman James Steel for a “change of use” for one of the units at the Gavinburn Business Park, a former bus depot on Dumbarton Road.
Applicant James Steel is proposing a contact-free drive-through, takeaway, home-delivery and live music venue.
However, villagers who live nearby have voiced concern at the plans, and eight objections have been published on the council’s website so far.
“We are a quiet residential village. I want to ensure that this event and planning application isn’t allowed to be approved as we have many elderly residents along with many frail people due to illness.
“This event would clearly cause major disruption to a lovely town living in constant fear.”
Most of the objections mention the poor condition of the building, which was used as a bus depot until the late 1990s.
According to Mr Steel’s application documents, the unit where he proposes to locate the street food market was most recently used as an indoor football pitch.
A drive-through facility operated by local business Pakora Explorer was provided from a converted horse box at the former bus depot site earlier this year.
But within days that stall was shut down by council officials who said it did not have the correct licence in place.
In his written submission to the council, David McGonigle, who lives in Roman Crescent, said: “The shed roofs on this site is populated by hundreds of seagulls, for nesting and breeding, causing local residents to clean resultant mess from their cars, drives and patios on a daily basis.”
And Dumbarton Road resident Thomas Gallacher, said: “The street food market was due to be planned as drive-through only.
“This is also taking away business from the small businesses already situated within Old Kilpatrick.
“We are now faced with broken fences and over-run foliage that had resulted in the place becoming an eyesore.
“The council and volunteer groups keep this village to a high standard, there is no reason that the landlord should not be maintaining this area to adhere to such standards. This should be a priority over adding food stalls.”
A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman told local newspaper that the application was being considered by the authority’s planning department.
Mr Steel refused to comment until a decision is reached by the council.