THE views of environmental health officers are likely to prove crucial to the fate of plans to convert a residential garage in Helensburgh into a meat-drying and processing facility.

Mr Anton Erlank has asked Argyll and Bute Council for permission to carry out alterations to the garage building at 20 Marmion Avenue in Craigendoran, and to approve the building for commercial instead of residential use.

In a letter to Mr Erlank, published on the authority's website, planning officer Stephanie Spreng says the proposal may be consistent with the local development plan.

Ms Spreng's letter states that the proposal would require planning permission for the change of use of the garage, and states: “Whether or not it would be acceptable would be dependent on the views of the council's environmental health department and also we must be satisfied that the proposal will not raise any issues with regards to the amenity of surrounding properties by way of noise, smells or traffic movement.

“You would need to provide these details along with any application made. If we can satisfy ourselves that your business use would not adversely affect neighbouring properties, and environmental health have no objection to your proposal, then it may be acceptable.”

In his application form Mr Erlank, who lives at the adjoining house, states that if permission is granted, a drying and processing room will be built inside the existing garage, with the existing garage door to be replaced by a standard size door and window and the remaining gap to be closed with timber.

Mr Erlank also says a connection to the public drainage network and a water supply will be installed in the building if permission is granted.

On the issue of waste, he says: “Waste will include paper and plastic that would be in contact with animal blood. All waste will therefore be placed into refuse bags and taken to the local recycling centre.”

You can view the application paperwork by searching Argyll and Bute Council's website using the application code 17/00629/PP.