Having been a member of West Dunbartonshire Council's Planning Committee for the past five years, I, along with the majority of other members of the Committee, have consistently tried to refuse permission for new premises to open in West Dunbartonshire. However, each time, without fail, appeals against our decisions are upheld as there are currently no grounds for refusal.
We have also attempted to amend the Local Plan to assit us in finding grounds for refusal but have been constrained by legislation and have been unable to implement any protections.
I have spoken to a number of MSPs from various political parties that I have met at events relating to my work as a Councillor over the past 5 years and was advised that since this issue requires a change in legislation, the best course of action would be to seek public support for this through the e-petitions system. I have waited for some time for the new system to be launched and now that it has I am following that advice.