LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
1930 Wednesday 13th May 2026
LANGBANK COMMUNITY CENTRE, MIDDLEPENNY RD
Start and welcome
Present: Jacqueline Doherty, Julie Gilmour, Caroline Bryce, Caroline McLean, Maggie Hancock, Lesley Fairlie, Donald Linn, Iain McDougall, John O’Brien, Mark Ellis, Carly Deheer Also in Attendance: Cllr James MacLaren, Ian Small, Iain MacKay, William Mitchell, Phil O’Brien, David Steele, D McPherson, Shona Mitchell, John Mitchell, Nicole McFarland, Mark McFarland, Elaine Walsh, Mike Walsh Apologies: James Hunter, Cllr Colin McCulloch
Acceptance of last meeting minutes
Proposed LF , Seconded CMcL
Police Report
One road traffic offence which has been detected – no insurance
IS – Noted a post on FB on 6th May relating to a possible car theft in the village, crimes committed during May should be reported and available at next LCC meeting.
Village website and Facebook updates
Usual items on Website and Facebook.
Nothing of note, usual items added to pages.
4. Village Groups Updates
Community Centre
IMcD – working with a quote for kitchen refurbishment - affordable, some maintenance work also required by RC - committee meeting required to discuss quote and discussion with RC also required,.
LSR / MUGA
No Updates
Church redevelopment
Mr David Steele, Session Clerk attended
Update on the temporary closure of Langbank Church - 11* May 2026
Langbank Church has been temporarily closed on Health and Safety grounds, specifically linked to the electrical system in both the main church building and the attached halls.
The Kirk Session are working with contractors and the Presbytery of Clyde to resolve the issue and open the building safely. With the information we currently have we are estimating closure for another 6 weeks. It is hard to estimate these things, so if we can open earlier, with the appropriate work completed and relevant permissions given, we Will do so. Hopefully this process won't take longer, however we will keep the situation under review and will communicate with the church community when we have further information.
Worship services will take place with our linked church, Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston, PA6 7HW. Contact details for Langbank church remain the same as before.
Rev Steven Owens, Minister and Mr David Steele, Session Clerk, on behalf of the kirk session.
Discussion following – awaiting approval from presbytery, contractors available to start works before end of the month. Currently no indication of how long works will take. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Closure of the Church affecting lets including Drop in Café, Under 3s, Camera Club and the Cllrs surgeries.
Village Hall offer to assist with Lets in the meantime to enable these community services to operate during closure. Drop In Café are already in discussions.
DS advised that the committee are still pushing ahead with development plans.
Langbank Primary School
Langbank Primary School will have a focus on outdoor learning next year so will be trying to make use of all the village outdoor public spaces Playing fields and MUGA
and are also looking into using Finlaystone more – may require our help and support pushing for crash barrier on A8 to ensure route is safe to walk pupils there and back. JD will approach RC for improvements of A8 footpath under the Railway bridge to the West end of the village,
ME this area needs RC review as is wet and needs maintenance
Upcoming Events
Village Clean up is this Sunday 17th at 2pm, hoping a reasonable number of people will come along and help. Areas requiring attention – general litter pick, any weeding/overgrown vegetation at Playing field path and MUGA.
Plant sale – this Saturday Morning – no cream teas (due to Church closure)
5. Grants and Funding
LEADER Funding RC have flagged a new grant funding source for JG will reach out to groups to amalgamate group funding requests as one grant - JD suggested might be funding source for station field path lighting. JOB – suggested inclusion of funding for improvement to steps at station field and lighting. JG has provided e accounts up to the date of the meeting - attached below
IS – suggested path upgrade to cycle path to the west of village beside A8 but this may not ber covered by this particukar funding would cover, would requires Transport Scotland / SUSTRANS
DMcPh – asked if Network rail would fund lighting. RC haven’t adopted that path and ownership
JG advised £7,500 recently recived for previous grant applications.
Feedback for recent LAP grant due by beginning next week to allow update to be provided at next LAP meeting. This meeting will be on Thursday 21st May, at which grant funding will be decided.
Funding required for planting up planters – spend approved by JG
JOB – suggested purchasing an additional a 3rd village one (around £1000) Spend agreed by room, location still to be identified.
6. Planning
Planning applications and issues
Planning ref 260288PIP
There were a number of people attending the meeting specifically regarding this application. The salient points pertaining to this planning application were discussed and then decision was made unanimously to submit an objection on behalf of the LCC.
Extension for comments and request for decision of the application to be presented to a future meeting of the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board for consideration and determination as opposed to a planned delegated decision.
Copy of the objection mailed directly following the meeting below. LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Short term let licence
As per agreed at last meeting an objection was submitted on behalf of LCC re short term let licence application at 4 Middlepenny Rd.
The objection highlighted that they were already using the property as an Air BNB
Local Place Plan
Information notice period in respect of this ended on 8th May with 13 additional submissions.
CD and JD met to review this information and add any final responses in respect of additional comments. Place at Table will do a final review and submit by end of this week.
Glasgow airport airspace consultation - ongoing
http://www.scottishairspacemodernisation.co.uk
7. Transport Concerns
A8 roundabout
Accident today (13.05.26) Lorry westbound forced car on to the roundabout. Road was closed and traffic was diverted thru the village. DL – noted that the police response was slow.
DMcP – asked about the last review and how this can be resolved. Experienced a crash on the roundabout. DS - it was identified from the outset that the roundabout was too small at public enquiry, noted as a serving officer (public meeting early 1980s)
JOB – will forward request to new MSPs.
MMcF – Serving police officer - advised that all incidences be reported – anything out of the ordinary, all calls recorded and is evidential, encourage people to report all incidences however small to 101. There is a distinction between a crime and noted for “informationally purposes” recorded.
Speeding
CB – identified that potholes are still an issue (but they are helping curb speeding issue!)
JD – Suggested that we need to publicise the lack of planned resurfacing of roads in Langbank to ensure that people report potholes for individual repair – people need to complain – number of complaints makes a difference. DL – siome potholes have n[been repaired but they have not been sealed effectively.
8. Local Cllr updates and monthly reports
Cllr James McLaren Below
9. AOB
LF – asked JMacL re wall on Middlepenny that remains in a state of disrepair. JMacL noted to investigate, the state of this wall has previously been identified as ongoing issue.
JD – asked for LCC opinion on removal of Phone box – agreed. Previously considered as place to site Defib but would exclude Sprucebank and Seath due to distance.
WM - LBC enjoyed having the kids from school join them for some Lawn bowls today and confirmed that the attendees at Wednesday night activities are polite and respectful. There is however an Issue with groups of 10 – 12 children outwith organised events accessing area behind the bowling club.
Witnessed youths at Bowling club pavilion 2 at the front and a larger group appeared from behind the LBC hut. He advised that they are aware it’s not necessarily MUGA users, in general the kids are polite.
JM – offered to remove the old planters which re too heavy for manual handling, exchanged contact details to make suitable arrangements.
Meeting Closed 2040 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