Glasgow Council Pushes for Stronger Planning Powers to Protect Historic Buildings

Glasgow City Council will continue pressing for greater regulatory powers to safeguard the character and quality of the city's historic assets, councillors have been told.

Speaking at a full council meeting on Thursday, Depute Leader Ruairi Kelly explained that local authorities are restricted under national planning rules regarding the regulation of vape shops. His comments came after Bailie Ann Jenkins inquired about measures being taken to shield historic buildings from the growing concentration of such businesses.

Councillor Kelly stated that under current legislation, a retailer can open a vape store in an existing retail unit without submitting a planning application because the move does not constitute a formal change of use. However, planning permission, listed building consent, or advertising consent can still be required if modifications are proposed for shopfronts, building exteriors, or signage.

When evaluating such proposals, the local authority takes into account the setting of conservation areas and listed buildings, with guidance set out in City Development plans and an upcoming design guide for Sauchiehall Street. Unauthorised changes to shopfronts or unlawful changes of use can be investigated by planning enforcement.

Councillor Kelly also noted that the council's chief executive had earlier in the year contacted the Scottish Government and MSPs to urge stronger controls on vape products and lithium-ion battery storage, stressing that national planning frameworks continue to constrain local powers.