APPROVAL has been recommended for the demolition and replacement of public toilets in Tayinloan, despite 14 objections from the public.
The proposal by West Kintyre Community Council, which has also attracted five expressions of support, will be considered by councillors next week.
Concerns have been voiced by objectors about the removal of the waiting room at the existing facility, as well as the proposal to charge for use of the facilities.
The application will be considered by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee at its meeting on Wednesday, June 17.
A council officer said in a handling report: “The existing public toilets provide one female WC with a wash-hand basin; and one male WC with two urinals and a wash-hand basin. A small waiting room is also provided within the existing building.
“The applicant stated that the existing building could not be modified to include a fully compliant accessible access ramp due to the height of the finished floor level and the space required to achieve compliant gradients and landing.
“The proposed replacement building comprises a single storey structure which would have a similar footprint when compared to the existing building.
“Regarding public representations received providing comments on the internal facilities to be provided within the replacement building, an informative is recommended to advise the applicant to have regard to suggestions made within the public representations.
“The replacement toilet building would provide the same sanitary facilities as the existing building, with the addition of an accessible entrance and a dedicated accessible WC facility. No waiting room would be provided in the replacement toilet building.”
The report added: “The anticipated demolition and construction period of the proposed development is approximately five months during which time two temporary portable toilet units would be provided on site.
“Officers are satisfied that the proposal is an acceptable development which would not give rise to any significant adverse visual impact within its site or wider setting and one which would provide improved public toilet provision.”
