HELENSBURGH’S new banking hub has received advertising consent for what is set to be its permanent new home in Colquhoun Square.
Cash Access UK is lined up to take over the premises currently occupied by Bank of Scotland, which is due to permanently close on Tuesday, March 24.
The banking hub is currently temporarily situated in Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre, and is hoped to move into Colquhoun Square in April.
It is due to incorporate a shared banking facility, a Post Office counter, and an externally available ATM. Representatives of High Street banks are also due to be present on an allocated day.
An Argyll and Bute Council planning officer said in a report: “The proposed vinyls and signs are considered acceptable in terms of the impact on amenity of the site, the surrounding conservation area and the character of the neighbouring listed building in terms of positioning, scale, design, colour and materials.
“They are also unobtrusive nor contribute to visual clutter within the development. The proposal is for the new logo branding to the existing commercial unit and will therefore not look out of character.”
Lesley Wilson, Cash Access UK’s regional manager, told the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee last week: “The temporary banking hub is available for counter service and all basic banking needs.
“There is also a community banker service on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Bank of Scotland will be attending after it closes. Currently we have the Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander on a Monday and Tuesday.
“As you can see from the council’s planning portal we have found a property that we want to have for a permanent site.
“The plans have been submitted for that and we are working through the lease. It is not officially signed, but the property team have moved forward with the plans.
“The reason that we deployed a temporary banking hub in Helensburgh is because of regulations that mean there cannot be a cold spot in the community and we have to find a solution.”
A separate application, for planning permission for alterations to the front and rear façade at the Colquhoun Square premises, remains under consideration by the council. Currently it has attracted no comments from the public.
