Plans to transform the vacant Masons Arms Hotel in Lesmahagow into four homes have been refused following confusion among councillors over the wording of a vote.
The proposal by The Glendevon Group Limited would have seen the former hotel and pub at 30 Abbeygreen converted and sub-divided to create two terraced houses and two flats, along with associated works.
The application had previously been refused by council planning officers, but was brought before the Planning Local Review Body after the applicant appealed the decision.
Motion to overturn refusal
At today’s meeting (October 5), councillor David Shearer (Clydesdale West) put forward a motion to overturn the officers’ decision and grant planning permission. His motion was seconded by councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller (East Kilbride East).
Councillor Shearer said: “Given that this building is in situ and needs to be renovated to keep it in good condition and make it useful to the community, I would move that this application be granted.”
An amendment seeking to uphold the original decision by planning officers was proposed by councillor Richard Nelson (Larkhall) and seconded by councillor Gerry Convery (East Kilbride Central South).
Confusion during voting
However, confusion arose during the voting process, with councillors Norman Rae (Cambuslang West) and Gladys Ferguson-Miller stating that they were unclear about what they were being asked to vote on, after they had already voted.
The wording of the motion and amendment was clarified before the vote took place, with councillor Nelson and a council officer reiterating that the proposal was to grant permission, while the amendment would uphold the officers’ recommendation to refuse the application.
Despite this, the vote went ahead with four councillors voting for the motion and five voting for the amendment, meaning the officers’ refusal was upheld.
Vote not re-run
Following the vote, councillors Rae and Ferguson-Miller indicated that they had not understood the options correctly and had voted for the wrong decision.
Had their votes reflected their intentions, the result would have been six votes in favour of granting permission and three against.
The vote was not re-run and the application was ultimately refused. The decision means the original refusal of planning permission for the conversion of the former Masons Arms Hotel remains in place.
