LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
1930 Wednesday 10th June 2026
LANGBANK COMMUNITY CENTRE,
MIDDLEPENNY RD
MINUTES
Present: Jacqueline Doherty, John O’Brien, Lesley Fairlie, Donald Linn, Caroline Bryce, Caroline McLean
Also in Attendance: Cllr James MacLaren, Cllr Colin McCulloch, Phil O’Brien
Apologies: Carly Deheer (secretary), Maggie Hancock, Mark Ellis, Iain McDougall, James Hunter
Start and welcome
JD welcomed everyone and opened meeting at 19.30.
1. Acceptance of last meeting minutes
Proposed by JO, seconded by DL. No matters arising.
2. Police Report
Between 1st and 31st May one reported crime – theft of motor vehicle – which is still under investigation. Noted that this is likely to be vehicle stolen from Station Road as mentioned at previous meeting.
3. Village website and Facebook
No unusual or notable activity with usual reports on website.
4. Village Group Updates
• Community Centre
Vegetation at back of hall is in process of being cut back.
• LSR / MUGA
No new updates since last meeting.
Qu. Will Wednesday Get Active Sessions continue over summer?
A. Yes they will continue weekly until funding ceases.
• Church redevelopment
Following temporary closure on health and safety grounds the church and halls have now fully re-opened (as of 31st May). The remedial works carried out had been approved by the Kirk Session and Clyde Presbytery. All groups using hall and Drop-in café can resume.
• Langbank Primary School
After 37 years Alison Purdue has retired from Langbank Primary school where she worked as part of the facilities team (dinner lady).
School have produced an Healthy Eating Cookbook which is available from school office.
• Upcoming Events
School are having their end of year event at Village Hall on 26th June.
5. Grants and funding
LSR were successful with recent grant application to the Local Area Partnership.
6. Planning
• Planning applications and issues planning applications map - RC PIP application South of Old Greenock Road.
As agreed at last month’s meeting an objection in respect of this was lodged by the CC on behalf of the community.
Our three local councillors lobbied the council to have the deadline for representation extended until 29th May and for the matter to be considered by a future meeting of the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board rather than the scheme of delegation. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Disappointed was noted that this planning application hadn’t automatically been directed to the board, particularly in view of previous similar application which caused significant concern amongst community. Original timings for representation also caused concern as it did not give sufficient time for the CC to consider this. Cllr McCulloch has already raised this but JD will also contact planning department to raise our concerns/frustrations.
Qu. Would this likely be due to Head of Planning or convenor of board?
A. Most likely decisions made by officers of RC.
• Short term let licences
Several members of community have contacted to express concern about home on Elmbank Road which has now been advertised as an Airbnb without any prior notification or any evidence on RC website that appropriate licence has been approved. Licence should be available to public to view if in existence. Best way to check is contact RC.
• Local Place Plan https://www1.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/8667/Local-Place-Plans
Has now been submitted to RC, with no initial concerns raised – to be taken forward for full consideration. Any further amendments will be responsibility of CD and JD, however Paul, from Place at table, did provide some information to assist with this.
• Glasgow airport airspace consultation
No further update since last meeting.
7. Transport Concerns
• A8 roundabout
No recent accidents although recent video on Inverclyde Road watch FB showed some very inconsiderate and dangerous driving at roundabout.
JO had drafted email to new MSPs which was read out at meeting. All agreed this was appropriate with additional paragraph to be added to reflect expectations from meetings with Transport Scotland.
Transport Scotland did meet with members of the community council and some of our elected members to discuss this and we were told that there would be an action plan available this spring. In the first instance this would be shared with our elected members for discussion, however as yet there has been no update from Transport Scotland.
Qu. Is Amey responsible for roundabout at bottom Hatton Brae – grass badly needing cut as it is impacting visibility.
A. Likely to be RC responsible for cutting this. Cllr MacLaren will contact them.
• Speeding
Main Road and Middlepenny Road continue to have issues, particularly at school drop off and pick up time.
Pot holes are still a concern on Main Road.
8. Local Councillor Updates and Reports
• Cllr McCulloch
The owners of the surgery are understandably keen to sell building and they have submitted a change of use – to residential – planning application.
Alison Taylor MP has written to Inverclyde HSCP asking if they would put a locum GP in situ. There has also been some interest from a Pharmacist to potentially open a Pharmacy, which would be more beneficial to village than another house.
Planning application now going to board, so won’t be heard until at least August and it is hoped in the interim progress can be made in respect of either GP or Pharmacy.
• Cllr MacLaren
Roads LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
A8 Roundabout Survey : - I have chased up the report on Transport Scotland’s survey.
Potholes: - I will ask why potholes are not sealed with the old tarmac and have been told by the Roads Inspector who said the defects have been repaired to the specification with the vertical joints sealed, overbanding with bitumen is discouraged as this can cause a skid risk.
Traffic Calming: - A recent ILE Board report says that investigations have begun into traffic calming here.
A898 Erskine Bridge Works: - I understand that Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential traffic sensor installation on the A898 Erskine Bridge, in both directions, from Monday 15th June until Friday 19th June 2026 between the hours of 8pm and 6am each night.
Pavement Repair, Seath Ave: - I have requested repair of the pavement on the south side near the road entrance.
Blocked Gullies: - Gullies were cleaned last week on Main Road. I also requested gullies be cleaned on Station Rd. Confirmed at meeting that this has now been done.
Middlepenny Place: - Bollards have been placed at the corner and the grass should now have been repaired.
Broken Sign, A8 Westferry: - A damaged sign reported in March last year has now been replaced. I have also chased up missing signage at the Langbank roundabout. This sign looks to have been graffitied already and I will request it gets cleaned off.
Dangerous Wall, Middlepenny Rd: - At the last meeting I was asked to have this inspected. Pleased to hear that, as per update at meeting, it has now been repaired/rebuilt.
ScotRail
ScotRail say that a new minimum fare will apply to customers who choose to board a train without a valid ticket for travel, however residents should note there is an exemption for passengers starting their journey at a station with no ticket office or a self-serve ticket vending machine.
Streetlights
Station Rd Hight Warning sign: - The Lighting Team have now repaired this light.
Middlepenny Rd: - I understand that the location for R14 is no longer accessible and the unit is no longer identified on the council system. It may be that the light from R13 and R15 with LED lanterns has been deemed sufficient to not require another lighting column. I will get this confirmed.
Waste Operations, Assisted Bin Collection
Waste Services continually fail to carry out an assisted bin collection on Seath Ave and need chased each time.
Parks
Station Rd Park: - Japanese Knotweed on the left-hand side just past the Notice Board at the Station Rd end of the park has been reported for spraying.
Middlepenny Rd Park: - This park is due for a refurbishment in year 2027/28.
Planning Applications, 26/0288/PIP
This application for a holiday lodge development, south of Old Greenock Rd, had the deadline for public comments extended to 29th May and the application will be presented to a future meeting of the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board for consideration and determination. Dog Fouling
Fouling on Main Rd continues to be a problem. I have asked for the pavement to be stencilled where this is occurring. Reporting of dog fouling drives the enforcement activity – in particular specific days where the wardens target hotspots. Please report all dog fouling.
Sweeping
Westferry: - I have requested that the slip roads be swept by Amey.
Footpath To Westferry: - I have also chased up sweeping of the footpath and requested an update on the Active Travel route to Bishopton.
My Langbank Surgery
This has reverted back to the church for future surgeries. Thanks to the Village Hall keeper for accommodating me on a temporary basis. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Complaints Service
If you have a complaint about a council service then please send your complaint to complaints@renfrewshire.gov.uk and I would be happy to be copied in. This could help improve services to the village.
Noted that there are a number of footpaths in village which have become overgrown – Dennistoun Road and path the Station Road.
Overgrown vegetation on Dennistoun Road which makes passage on road difficult.
Network Rail have left pile of aggregate following recent works.
9. AOB
Issues with Park Mains school bus – timings have been inconsistent and some days more than one bus sent, causing confusion. People have expressed concern about safety due to difficulty of bus getting parked safely at both ends of Main Road. At bottom of Station Road is particularly hazardous on a Wednesday afternoon due to unsafe and inconsiderate parking.
Defib – received response from Scotrail apologising for not replying sooner, but asking that we use Scotrail community email to make request – hopeful for response by next meeting.
New pads for village defibs have been ordered but still awaiting arrival.
Plants for village planters purchased and to be planted next week.
Qu. Will there be a Gala Day?
A. Hope to have a community event, but likely September. As no July meeting any update provided by email.
Meeting Closed
JD thanked everyone and closed meeting at 2015 and reminded all that there is no July meeting of the CC. Our next meeting will be 12th August. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Error! Unknown document property name. Langbank COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING April 2026 Update from Previous Meeting N/A Crime Summary Between 1st March and 31st March 2026, there has been 1 recorded crimes 0 of which has been detected. CRIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt Theft Robbery Serious Assault Common Assault Drug Offences Anti-Social (breach of the peace/vandalism/street drinking) Road Traffic Offences Other 1 0 1 x Communications Offence Crime Trends and Policing Priorities No apparent crime trends within the village of Langbank. Community Police Report Community Officers have continued to carry out both high-visibility and plain clothes patrols within the Langbank area. There have been no issues identified during the month of March. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Langbank Community Council Objection to Planning Application 26/0288/PIP
Dear Sir/Madam,
On behalf of the Community Council, we wish to formally object to Planning Application 26/0288/PIP relating to the proposed holiday lodge development at Land to the South of Old Greenock Road, Langbank.
The Community Council has significant concerns regarding the suitability of this proposal within designated Green Belt land and its potential impact on local infrastructure, road safety, residential amenity and the surrounding environment.
Green Belt and Planning Policy
The proposed development appears contrary to the principles of Green Belt protection set out within both the Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). We note that the applicant’s Design and Access Statement refers primarily to Local Development Plan Policy ENV1 Green Belt, but appears to give insufficient consideration to the wider requirements and protections contained within NPF4 policy.
The scale and nature of the proposed development would urbanise a currently rural and sensitive landscape and would adversely affect the character and amenity of the area.
Traffic, Access and Road Safety
Old Greenock Road is a narrow rural B-road with restricted visibility, blind summits, 60mph speed limit and no continuous pedestrian infrastructure. The road is already subject to longstanding concerns regarding speeding traffic and inappropriate use as a “rat run” towards the motorway network.
The Community Council is particularly concerned that increased traffic associated with the development, including visitor traffic, servicing vehicles and construction traffic, would create additional road safety risks on infrastructure that is already unsuitable for significant intensification.
The proposed access is also located opposite a recognised footpath/core path connection between Langbank and Kilmacolm. Pedestrian safety along this route is already poor due to the absence of pavements or safe verges.
Public transport access to the site is limited, with Langbank railway station accessed via narrow roads lacking adequate pedestrian facilities. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The Community Council also notes that concerns were previously raised in January 2025 regarding development works and planning permission associated with the area now proposed as part of the site access arrangement. Given that this access may rely upon or connect to works previously questioned by the Community Council, we request full clarification regarding the planning status, legality and suitability of the proposed access infrastructure before any determination of this application is made.
Drainage, Sewage and Water Infrastructure
The Community Council has serious concerns regarding drainage and sewage capacity within the area. There is a well-documented history of sewage management problems associated with Gleddoch Hotel, including incidents involving sewage discharge into local burns and onto the public road network, requiring intervention from SEPA.
The proposed development risks placing further pressure on already inadequate infrastructure. Particular concern arises due to the hydrological connection between the site, local watercourses and the Inner Clyde Estuary SPA and SSSI.
There is also insufficient information regarding water supply infrastructure and whether pumping stations or other engineering works would be required to service the proposed chalets.
It is noted that the proposed access road crosses drainage lines, the applicant has confirmed that there is no SUDS and whereby Scottish water will support the removal of surface water within a brownfield site, this being within the greenbelt would cause a significant issue.
The neighbouring farm of Undercraigs, confirm that following extensive research they had to have an independent borehole water supply due to the fact that there was insufficient water pressure in that area for mains water supply. There is no information as to how this development would receive their water. If a pump had to be installed for mains water what would the impact on the village water supply be?
In addition to concerns around water supply, the CC have concerns around utilities in general as this is not clear from application.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
The application does not appear to include a sufficiently comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment despite the ecological sensitivity of the surrounding area. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The site and surrounding woodland support a range of wildlife, including protected species such as Pipistrelle bats. Increased lighting, traffic, noise and human activity would inevitably impact local biodiversity and rural amenity.
The site drains towards the Inner Clyde Estuary SPA and SSSI, which are internationally important habitats for wildfowl and wading birds. Robust environmental assessment and mitigation measures should therefore be required before any consideration of approval.
The Community Council strongly believes that full ecological surveys, flood risk assessments, drainage studies, traffic impact assessments and environmental reports should be completed before this application progresses further.
Potential Unauthorised Development
The Community Council also notes concerns regarding the recent appearance of hard standing and storage containers on or adjacent to the site. These works should be investigated by planning enforcement officers to establish whether the appropriate permissions or permitted development rights apply.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, the Community Council considers this proposal to represent an inappropriate and unsustainable form of development within the Green Belt, with unacceptable implications for road safety, environmental protection, local infrastructure and residential amenity.
We therefore respectfully request that Planning Application 26/0288/PIP be refused.
With thanks in advance for your consideration of this matter,
Jacqueline Doherty,
Chairperson, Langbank Community Council, on behalf of Langbank Community Council, attendees of CC meeting dated 13th May 2026 and the wider Langbank Community. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Langbank May Report from Councillor James MacLaren
Roads
Footway Resurfacing Programme 2026-2027: - Alas, there are no pavements due to be resurfaced this year in Langbank.
Resurfacing Middlepenny Rd: - The grit bin was moved for resurfacing of the pavement a few months ago, but has now been put back in position.
Flooding: -
Houston Rd: - Our engineer attended to Houston Road and asked Neighbourhood services to sweep the street. He managed to get Network Rail to clean out the silt trap behind the railway and has spoken to the Roads Supervisor who is going to speak to the owner of Eastbank house to allow Roads to improve the culvert up the hill to try and deal with the issue. Roads have also got plans to install another 2 gullies at the corner of Eastbank lodge.
Main Rd: - The manhole that appeared to be surcharging outside the Station Path is not connected to the sewage system. This connects the burn at the corner of the park on Station Road to the two double gullies on Main Road and through to the Clyde. It has been checked and there was some debris in it that was then cleared but there might also be a tidal/capacity issue. The engineer will keep his eye on it.
Potholes:- Helenslee Rd may have a problem in the future and I have reported this. Potholes have been reported at the top of Middlepenny Rd and on Main Rd, and on Dennistoun Rd. These roads have now been inspected and instructions passed for repair. There was a particularly deep hole next to the church on Main Rd and also a manhole cover that was on the brink of collapse along at the bend, both repaired now.
Obstruction, Middlepenny Place: - The motorhome parked at the entrance to the road is not be an obstruction to large vehicles as it is well parked. I have requested the verge and kerb be repaired. The Road Operations team are scheduled to repair kerbing within the next 2 weeks that will then allow Neighbourhood Services team to repair the grass verge.
Temporary Road Closure, Station Rd: - – OVERNIGHT WORKING – From Main Road to 1 Station Road. This notice will be in force from 22:00 Wednesday 13th May 2026 to 06:00 Thursday 14th May 2026. Closure Reason: Network Rail Bridge Inspection
Missing Sign, A8 roundabout: - I have requested an update on the replacement chevron sign and also, the keep left sign which has been knocked down on the roundabout at the east bound exit and needs replacing.
Blocked Gullies: - I have reported blocked gullies on Dennistoun Rd which will be checked and cleaned.
Postal Service
Regarding poor deliveries, the MP was meeting with Royal Mail in May. I have requested an update.
Scottish Parliament Election
Thank you to everyone who helped with canvassing and leafleting for this election. Many people were confused by the voting process.
Streetlights
Station Rd Hight Warning sign: - As the Lighting Team previously were unaware of the road being closed for bridge repairs, I have advised them that there is another road closure planned and they are grateful to have this information passed on.
Waste Operations
Assisted Bin Collection: - I have chased up Refuse to carry out an assisted bin collection on Seath Ave that keeps being missed.
LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Payphone Removal Proposal
BT Payphone Team have an intention to remove the phone box on Main Road. To submit a representation, it is advised that this should be sent to payphones@bt.com by 29th July.
Planning Applications
26/0288/PIP, Holiday Lodge development, south of Old Greenock Rd.
Grass Cutting, Station Rd,
I have chased up the strimming of grass up against the wall at the old surgery and have been told that this will be done.
Fibre Optic Cables
I wrote to Scottish Government about provision of full fibre broadband. The online checker at https://broadbandchecker.service.gov.scot/ provides information regarding the connectivity status of each premises. In Langbank, there is a mixture of properties which should already be able to access Gigabit speeds, properties which can access a superfast broadband service, and properties for which there are plans to deliver Gigabit connectivity.
Sewage Leak Gleddoch Hotel
This issue was a blockage that was resolved after Gleddoch Hotel engaged an external company. Grease traps are also being installed in the kitchen in addition to the bio-enzyme system to try and reduce grease/fat entering the system. Council are currently trying to get a better understanding of the system, the septic tanks that are emptied monthly, and it has been agreed that at the next visit cameras will be put down the drains to try to identify where the soakaway drainage goes. An Officer has recently obtained an old plan that provided further information on the pipework and are liaising with Gleddoch Hotel to confirm this.
Dog fouling
Officers continue to prioritise areas where there is the greatest demand, and will ensure that Langbank is included within these focus areas. At present, there are no plans to introduce DNA testing for dog fouling in Renfrewshire. While some local authorities have previously trialled this approach elsewhere in the UK, it has proven to be both costly and operationally challenging. In addition, as there is no legal requirement for dog owners to register, such a scheme would be heavily dependent on voluntary compliance.
Litter Picking
Langbank Litter Pick: - This takes place on Sunday 17th May.
Sweeping, A8 to Westferry
I have requested that the path from the village to Westferry be swept and I requested Amey do this. I will chase this up.
My Langbank Surgery
As the church is unavailable, I have requested to use the village hall for this.
12/5/2026
Feedback From Meeting
Planning Application, 26/0288/PIP: There was some confusion over the closing date for comments. I was told that it would be 20th May and will request this is at least the case. I will also request that the application is determined by the Planning Board, rather than by planning
LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
officers.
2. A8 Roundabout Survey : - I will chase up the report on Transport Scotland’s survey.
3. Potholes: - I will ask why potholes are not sealed with the old tarmac.
4. Streetlights, Middlepenny Rd: - I will check for missing streetlights and request they are all working.
Please email me with your updates and requests as I cannot guarantee to see your comments on Facebook. Likes are always welcome. You can subscribe to receive a copy of my monthly report, just request this by email.
My Langbank Surgery is held in the church on the fourth Monday of the month at 6.30pm.
Councillor James W.H. MacLaren, Conservative & Unionist Party, Ward 11, Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Tel. 03003001291 Email cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren
Langbank Community Council - 13 May 2026
Cllr C McCulloch
Housing
The Council’s Communities and Housing Board will soon be announcing its performance via the Annual Return on the Charter to the Scottish Housing Regulator. I am particularly interested in the Council’s performance on void turnover, rent arrears, and responses taken to remedy cases of damp and mould.
Health services
The Integrated Joint Board Renfrewshire HSCP will meet in June to discuss proposed cuts to health and social care services across Renfrewshire. This is due to an ongoing chronic funding gap, which will see IJB reserves exhausted within a year. Although Langbank sits in the Inverclyde IJB, all IJBs are under immense pressure and most will exhaust their reserves within the next 24 months.
A planning application to convert the old GP building to residential use will be considered by the Planning Board in due course, after I requested it be moved from a delegated decision by officers. This should prevent the building being converted in the short term until the Planning Board convenes to consider this matter. In the meantime, I am continuing to lobby the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to place a GP in Langbank.
Roads
A TRO is being proposed for Middlepenny Place, as a large vehicle continues to block access by refuse vehicles to service bins in this area. Hopefully the TRO, when implemented, will resolve this ongoing issue.
The road carriageway resurfacing programme for 2026/27 has been released. Disappointingly, no Langbank roads are due to be resurfaced in this year.
LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Other
There is ongoing dialogue with Network Rail regarding overgrown trees and foliage from the railway line onto a private property. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly so that the property owner and Network Rail can both safely carry out maintenance as required.
I was pleased to look over the Langbank Place Plan and look forward to supporting the community council to implement its plan in future, especially around the ideas to offer affordable housing, improve (i.e. start) bus services and attract retailers to this area. These will help the village in the long term, and attract new younger residents to the area.
Cllr C McCulloch
13 May 2026