PLANS for a new shopfront and ramped access at an Oban town centre premises have been submitted to council officials.
The premises at 16 George Street are occupied by M&D Green Chemist, who wish to make alterations to the building.
Argyll and Bute Council officials are expected to rule on applications for planning permission and listed building consent by mid-February, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
A planning statement submitted with the application said: “The unit is currently operating as a pharmacy and has done so for some number of years now.
“The property is a ground floor unit (within a terraced flatted development) with flats above and retail units or food places in the neighbouring vicinity.
“Typical to Oban’s George Street, the property is a stone building with a timber glazed shopfront. A single fascia sign and projecting sign is present to the shopfront.
“A single-storey extension is present to the rear of masonry cavity construction with a steel profiled sheet roof. This includes a fire escape pend to the rear of the unit (which also serves the other properties to the South) which provide egress to Stevenson Street.
“A recent application was submitted by the former owners and approved for the internal alterations to be undertaken to the pharmacy. Through the process, some comments were received regarding the existing access arrangements to the pharmacy and highlighted some obstacles due to the historic nature of the property.
“At the time of submission, external alterations were not included as part of the application. However, it was noted that they would be considered for any future projects.
“The pharmacy is under new management (M&D Green Group) and the shopfront alterations (including implementation of an access ramp and plat) have been considered for undertaking.”
The statement added: “The proposal seeks to incorporate a 1.2m long ramp (to accommodate the rise of approx. 75mm) and a 1.5×1.5m accessible entrance plat.
“Handrails are to be provided to both sides with a 300mm wreathed projection at the top of the ramp and terminating at a newel posts at the bottom of the ramp (to prevent any projections over the public footpath). Improving on the existing double door access arrangements, the proposal would also seek to incorporate a single automatic entry powered door.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference numbers 25/02129/PP and 25/02128/LIB.
