Tesla Motors has secured planning permission from Renfrewshire Council for an electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Phoenix Retail Park in Paisley. The eight-bay facility will be located in the car park adjacent to Starbucks on Griffen Avenue, with a substation installed to the northwest near Nando's. Vehicle access will remain unchanged.
Planning Details and Benefits
A planning, design and access statement prepared by agent company Enzygo highlighted the project's alignment with the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. It stated: "Overall, the proposed EV charging hub aligns with the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan by supporting sustainable transport, contributing to low carbon infrastructure and enhancing the function of an existing local commercial centre."
The statement further noted that the development represents "appropriate supporting infrastructure within an established commercial location and is consistent with the spatial strategy and relevant policies of the Local Development Plan."
Council Assessment
A report of handling by the local authority confirmed that the charging infrastructure will consist of eight units, each measuring approximately 2.2 metres in height. The assessment concluded: "The charging hub would be located on an existing run of parking bays within an existing commercial centre, so would contribute to the development of the wider centre."
The report added: "The development could be easily accommodated at the site, would not look out of place and would reflect the form and use of the wider area. Existing landscaping and infrastructure within the retail park would suffice to assist integration of the development into the surrounding built environment."
Traffic and Impact
The council determined that the proposal would not result in a substantial increase in vehicle traffic within the centre. "Existing vehicular and pedestrian infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate the development and roads development have no objections in this regard," the report stated. Consequently, the development would not have a negative impact on the Phoenix Commercial Centre.
In view of the above, the council considered that the proposal accords with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no other material considerations. Planning permission was therefore granted.
