New Glasgow vape shop plan beside Mackintosh landmark sparks concern
Plans for a vape shop next to Glasgow's Mackintosh Tearooms raise concerns, prompting calls for planning law reform.Summary
A Glasgow councillor has called for planning law reform to give councils more control over where vape shops can open, following objections to a proposed vape and electronics store at 215-217 Sauchiehall Street, directly beside the Mackintosh Tearooms, a Category A-listed building. SNP councillor Angus Millar, representing Anderston/City/Yorkhill, said current legislation leaves local authorities powerless to prevent vape retailers from opening in premises already approved for general retail use. He urged MSPs and the Scottish Government to change planning law to require specific planning permission for vape shops and to introduce licensing powers for councils. Garnethill Community Council raised concerns about the impact on the Mackintosh Tearooms and the surrounding conservation area. A planning enforcement investigation will examine the proposed shopfront and signage, which lack listed building and advertising consent. The debate follows a major fire in March at the Union Corner building, believed to have started in a ground-floor vape shop, which caused partial collapse and major disruption.
(Source：Glasgow Times)
