LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 2025
WEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2025
LANGBANK COMMUNITY CENTRE, MIDDLEPENNY ROAD @ 7.30pm
Start and welcome
Present: Jacqueline Doherty, Caroline Bryce, John O’Brien, Caroline McLean, Carly Deheer
Also in Attendance:, Cllr James MacLaren, Jim Small
Apologies: Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, James Hunter, Iain McDougall, Lesley Fairlie, , Maggie Hancock, Julie
Gilmour,
New members after inetrim elections - Lesley Fairlie, Caroline McLean, Mark Ellis, Donald Linn
Acceptance of last meeting minutes
Caroline Bryce - proposed. Carly Deheer - seconded the motion.
Police Report
Provided by email 010925 – 310925 – attached for info
Between 1st September and 30th September 2025, there has been 4 recorded crimes, 1 of which has been
detected.
1 theft of motor vehicle
1 police assault
1 failure to report an accident
1 wildlife crime
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities - no apparent crime trends within the village of Langbank.
Community Police Report - Police have continued to carry out high visibility patrols in and around the local
Langbank area and this will continue for the foreseeable future.
An incident of Anti-social behaviour has been reported to RC – no response to date - and details shared
with our Community Police officers, who provided advice and have carried out high visibility patrols in
village.
Village website and Facebook updates.
No notable events.
Village Groups Updates
Community Centre
Committee meeting – discussed kitchen improvement, needs to be done working in conjunction with RC
due to underlying issues and boiler maintenance. Community Asset transfer discussions initiated a positive
line of communication. Money in bank and the regular lets are fairly busy
Hall has bought a flood defence as car park is now flooding, drain may be blocked following car park
improvement. IMcD is in contact with RC regarding a solution to the blocked drains.
LSR /MUGA
Issue with visitors to the village exercising dog in MUGA and recent vandalism. Community Police
contacted and additional lock placed on rear gate.
LSR group have met to discuss final signage for facility.
LSR Application to be made to the LAP to request funding for ongoing Coaching Sessions at the MUGA on
Wednesday evenings
JS noted that the MUGA lights shining out to A8, could they adjusted to face further down.
Church redevelopment
No update
Winter Connections Grant
Applications are now open for this grant since 22.09.25, however in order to apply we need to agree on
village events to be arranged during the winter months.
Suggestions include:
Church, Christmas themed Soup and Sandwich lunch on Wednesday 12th December.
To provide hot drink and snack for ongoing winter activities at MUGA.
Santa and North Pole crew visit to village.
Family fun night in Village Hall
CB will look at first aid training activity
Planning Link to Map of current planning applications
Suggestion to add Lighting for Station Field footpath and swing park in Station field. Funding source
needed, permission required from RC to undertake and maintain – ducting may be in place there
Ground lights might work on the path. Lights on station path badly overgrown currently
JD has done a walk round the paths in the village to feedback to RC for damage to paths and overgrown
areas in the village. Elderly residents have highlighted the paths are UNSAFE as you can’t get to handrails.
This will be fed back to the RC for action
LOCAL PLACE PLAN
CD produced a consultation document which has initially been circulated at Village Gala Day and at the
church Drop-In cafe (we are very grateful to CMcL for doing this). Next steps is to collate information from
initial forms and then produce further document for circulation to wider community.
JD attended the Community Landownership Roadshow in Johnstone, following which CD and JD met with
Heather Yearwood from Community Land Scotland this afternoon. Heather provided a lot of information –
much of which has already been explored. She will also send additional information for consideration and
in the first instance has directed us to make additional enquiries to Network Rail re land ownership.
On 10th September JD received invite to a consultation in respect of Forestry Grant Scheme application:
25FGS88679, made by Haven Holdings Two Limited. This was in respect of a broadleaved tree
development on land between Greenock Road and M8. Responses to be made by 8th October. No
response provided as no perceived detrimental effect to village.
Grit Bin Provision
RC plan to replace our existing grit bin provision of 12 smaller bins with 4 larger community bins. The idea
is to encourage residents to stock up in advance of bad weather from these community bins. The proposal
has 3 of the 4 community bins situated on priority routes, which are already gritted by RC. This is likely to
take provision away from where it is most required and contrary to the rationale it will potentially limit
residents taking responsibility for gritting roads in their area.
Ask a RC representative to attend meeting or feedback why they have proposed changes.
Current grit bin locations work due to geographical constraints.
info@ has been contacted by Gleddoch Wynd planning consultant
CC have been approached by a resident of Gleddoch Wynd to ask if they would be willing to request (along
with the local ward councillors) that the recent application (ref. 25/0719/PP) for the "installation of
groundworks to create an area of hardstanding for parking and golf club maintenance (in retrospect)" at
Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, Old Greenock Road, Langbank is called in for full consideration by the
Planning Board. It is very disappointing that the applicant has carried out further works prior to submitting
a planning application.
The person making this request was invited to attend the meeting tonight however is unable to attend.
Their representative sent the following additional information
I sent an email to the three ward councillors on Thursday evening asking that the application is called in for full
consideration by the Planning Board.
Set out below are extracts from my email to the councillors:
The applicant started the construction/engineering works in April 2025 and submitted a retrospective planning
application on 3rd September 2025.
It is my understanding that this work was carried out without prior notification to Planning, and there is a
suggestion that future work is being considered at this area with the erection of a golf clubhouse adjacent to the
driving range. Presently this has only been discussion with the golf club members, but such a large area increase
to the current driving range parking area would seem to confirm this.
The application is suggested for operational purposes, "parking golf buggies, maintenance vehicles and for set
down of materials used in the groundskeeping activities required for the 18-hole golf course on a year-round
basis".
The applicant's covering letter also states that "the area is used for overspill car parking by guests of the hotel,
and users of the existing driving range, as required".
However, there currently exists extensive overspill parking and materials storage closer to the hotel (see
attached aerial images), and even on significant events has not been utilised to any significant extent, and it
would seem that this further completed parking would not be essential.
The area of hardstanding represents further encroachment into the greenbelt than the existing built development
at the site in conflict with greenbelt policies.
It is considered that there is sufficient space within the confines of the existing built environment at the resort to
accommodate parking and groundskeeping equipment/materials without the need for this additional car park /
area of hardstanding.
Importantly, the applicant has not submitted evidence demonstrating the need for additional car parking at this
location.
The residents at Gleddoch Wynd have a genuine concern that this application (in retrospect) for an area of
hardstanding / car parking may be part of a future development to erect a new clubhouse at this location.
The lack of transparency by the applicant is extremely disappointing.
I also attach an aerial image and photographs of the application site and the existing overflow car park.
(attached for info)
Colin Campbell, CCC Planning Consultancy
LCC will make an objection on the basis that Gleddoch are encroaching on the Greeenbelt and are applying
for planning application in retrospect again.
Transport Concerns
A8 roundabout
JD has the file of documentation which Neil had collected during his period working on this matter. A
volunteer from the group was sought to take this specific matter forwards. JOB has volunteered to be the
new contact for roundabout file going forward.
Lack of public transport
One of our older residents has suggested that with the closure of Langbank surgery it would be beneficial
for the village to have a localised bus service – that not only linked Langbank to Kilmacolm but had pick up
points around the village as many elderly and sick residents would find the walk down Middlepenny and
Station Road difficult.
MY BUS service might be an option for local service, will the council boundaries be an issue. JMacL will
publicise and see if anyone is using the service.
Local Cllr updates and monthly reports
Attached below
AOB
On JD received email re community consultation for an additional application for Inclusion in the Board’s
Pharmaceutical List – Kate Stewart Limited, 5 Dalgety Drive, Bishopton, Renfrewshire PA7 5LN.
This consultation was sent to “any nominated community representative that covers the neighbourhood
within which the applicant intends to provide pharmaceutical services, or any part of it.”
Any objections?
Meeting closed 2105
Langbank October CC Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Roads
i) Abandoned Vehicles: - The only vehicle that looks to have been abandoned is the blue VW
Passat FP54 CKK outside Coast but in fact it is taxed and MOT’d.
ii) Traffic Calming, Middlepenny Rd: - Council has suggested installing warning signs such as
“Children going to or from school or playground ahead” with a supplementary plate
“Playground” either side of the access to the playpark and also that the sign be used as a
road marking with additional SLOW road markings on both approaches.
iii) Review Of Grit Bin Provision: - Council plans to remove 6 grit bins from the village. The
idea is that residents collect grit in advance of icy weather from community grit bins (map
is available). Redundant grit bins can be made available for personal use.
iv) Blocked Gullies, Station Rd: - At the corner with Elmbank Rd the gully is blocked with gravel
from the resurfacing. I will report this.
v) Flooding: -
• West Benview, Main Road: - The back garden is again flooded and I have requested that
the grating in the park be inspected to ensure it is clear.
• Main Rd at Coast: - This was flooded on Saturday 4th Oct and I requested it be cleared.
• Houston Rd: - This was flooded on Saturday 4th Oct and I requested it be cleared. This was
next to the bridge with water running onto the dual carriageway. It looked like the
culvert had become blocked.
vi) Resurfacing Middlepenny Road Pavement: - The Capital Works Team have programmed
resurfacing of Middlepenny Road for the start of March.
vii) Seath Avenue Pavement: - Currently, there are two instructions raised to carry out repairs to
the footway. I have also requested repairs to Douglas Ave pavements.
viii) Clearing Ditches: - I recently requested work to dig out the ditches to improve drainage but
Roads say they no longer do this work but will clear blocked piped drainage.
2. Streetlighting
• Main Rd: - The street lamp R53 is close to the road and if vehicles park opposite then this can
block others in. This was not a problem until the pavement parking exemption was
introduced. I will request the street light be moved back.
• Westferry: - The roundabout lighting is to be upgraded by Transport Scotland then adopted
by Renfrewshire when all works have been completed. Some lights are on 24 hrs while others
are not working at all. I have requested an update.
3. Funding
• Local Partnership Grants: - Further funds of £22,639 are still available. Applications are considered for
the remaining balance of Local Partnership funding at the next meeting in November 2025. New
applications are invited at this time, with a deadline of Monday 13th October 2025.
• Winter Connections Funding: - This was launched on Monday 22nd September. The link to apply is on
the Council’s webpage along with the guidance.
4. Press Coverage
I recently had press comment on the following: -
i> Langbank GP Closure ii. Pigeon Pests and Solar Panels
5. Langbank GP Surgery
A Labour motion to Full Council put forward that Langbank be moved under Renfrewshire IJB. I requested
that "In addition, this council requests NHS GG&C invest in a GP surgery within Langbank as soon as
possible as part of the move to Renfrewshire HSCP, but that Langbank residents who wish to remain with
their existing practice in Inverclyde HSCP (e.g. Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow), should be allowed to do so." The
motion with my addition was agreed. The Bishopton Medical centre currently has around 12,000 patients
and this is expected to rise to 18,000 by 2035 making it the largest GP practice in Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire GP practices are unlikely to take on any more patients hence my addition to the motion.
6. Motion - Pest Control (Pigeons)
I put forward a motion to full council which read: “Pigeons are known for carrying diseases. This council
wishes to advise all residents who have or intend to install solar panels on their rooves that it is strongly
advised that, in order to prevent bird access, particularly of the likes of pigeons, for their own health and
that of their neighbours, that the gap between the solar panel and the roof line should be sealed off with
either mesh or netting. Council to include such advice on their website and for the Planning Department
to issue this advice where appropriate.” The motion was agreed.
7. Planning
• Parking: - Conditions of planning permission for 2 Middlepenny Rd included off-street
parking. This does not seem to exist. I will enquire about this.
8. Overgrown Vegetation
• Station Rd: - I will chase up the ivy removal from the footpath. I will also ask about cutting
back of ivy coming over the railway wall.
• Verge, Dennistoun Rd: - I requested this gets cut back. Roads will assess the road and shall
take action on any sections which may be in contravention of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.
• High Hedges: - A number of residents have complained to me about high hedges and trees. A
High Hedge Act was introduced a while ago by Scottish Government but there seems to be
little obligation for the councils to enforce this. It would be nice if residents consider the
position of their neighbours and don’t let their gardens become too overgrown.
• Hedges, Middlepenny Rd: - the inspector has found one location where it is necessary to duck
down to avoid the hedge and will issue an advisory letter to the owner to get it cut.
9. Station Rd Park, Japanese Knotweed
There is a patch of this in the park. I will confirm that it is being treated as I have previously reported this.
10. Drug taking
Residents are concerned about the aroma of cannabis that exists around a property at the west end of
Main Rd. I will make enquiries as to what the options are to stop this.
11. Internet speeds
Internet speed has greatly improved recently throughout Langbank where fibre has been made available.
You can expect an increase from typically 25mbs to 135mbs post install of fibre. Positioning of new
wooden poles by BT Openreach facilitates aerial install of fibre cable to properties where an
underground service is not possible. Removal of redundant overhead copper cables is expected
sometime in the future.
09/10/25
Feedback From Meeting
1. Traffic Calming: - I will request the same for Main Rd at the MUGA as is being proposed for
Middlepenny Rd at the park.
2. Review Of Grit Bin Provision: - It was noted that these changes will make it harder for volunteers
to do their bit. I will make representation.
3. Lighting in Station Rd Park: - I will check with the council re upgrading the top path with lighting.
There may be the ducting already in place. This would create a safe walking route to the school.
4. A8 Roundabout: - I will chase up Transport Scotland for a copy of the survey report and proposals.
5. My Bus: - I will ask if My Bus would transport residents to Kilmacolm GP practice and back for
appointments.
6. Planning Application Ref. 25/0719/PP: - This application for the installation of groundworks to
create an area of hardstanding for parking and golf club maintenance (in retrospect) at Gleddoch
Golf & Spa Resort is causing local residents to be concerned.
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 first 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 MEETING
October 2025
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A
Crime Summary
Between 1st September and 30th September 2025, there has been 4 recorded crimes, 1
of which has been detected.
CRIME/OFFENCES OF
NOTE
NUMBE
R
DETECTE
D
CONTEXT
Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt 0 0
Theft 1 0 1 x theft of motor vehicle
Robbery 0 0
Serious Assault 0 0
Common Assault 1 1 1 x police assault
Drug Offences 0 0
Anti-Social (breach of the
peace/vandalism/street drinking)
0 0
Road Traffic Offences 1 0 1 x fail to report accident
Other 1 0 1 x wildlife crime
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
No apparent crime trends within the village of Langbank.
Community Police Report
Police have continued to carry out high visibility patrols in and around the local Langbank
area and this will continue for the foreseeable future.
Google Maps Aerial Imagery
Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, Old Greenock Road, Langbank
May 2025
Existing Driving Range Car Park
Site of (Unauthorised) New Car Park
Existing Overflow Car Park
Existing Overflow Car Park
New Car Park / Hardstanding Area
2 May 2025
2 May 2025
28 May 2025
16 May 2025