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Snack Bar Serving Homeless at Former Bathgate Hotel Faces Closure Over Planning Issues
A snack bar operating within the grounds of the former Kaim Park Hotel in Bathgate has been ordered to cease operations due to breaches of planning regulations, despite the lack of complaints over the last three years. Nettie Anderson, who purchased the snack bar as a retirement venture 18 months ago, now faces the prospect of losing her livelihood.
The snack bar primarily serves residents of the hotel, which is currently designated as a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), as well as individuals living in nearby flats. According to planning officials, there were no objections to the snack bar’s operations; however, local councillor Willie Boyle reported receiving complaints about the establishment.
Nettie expressed her belief that a planning application was unnecessary, as the snack bar is situated on private property. She acknowledged that regulations had changed in 2016, which led her to submit an application that was ultimately denied. Nettie has since appealed the decision to the Local Review Body.
During the review meeting, a planning officer noted that the snack bar occupies three parking spaces at the hotel, which has served the homeless for several years. Nettie stated she can cater to between 45 to 50 customers daily, providing takeaway hot food until 3pm. She highlighted that many of her daily customers are from the Kaim Park and surrounding residence.
Despite her anger at not being allowed to speak during the committee meeting, Nettie indicated that she had proposed mitigation options, such as additional screening or relocating the snack bar within the car park to alleviate concerns.
Nettie’s service has been well-patronised, with many customers stating they had never lodged a complaint. She described suggestions at the committee meeting for homeless individuals to dine at the nearby Tesco café as impractical, especially given the higher prices.
Councillor Boyle reiterated his stance, stating he had heard numerous complaints and claimed that the snack bar is situated in an unsuitable location, far from the town centre. He asserted that the snack bar has detracted from the local environment.
In contrast, Councillor Alison Adamson highlighted the absence of complaints from nearby residents, arguing that the long-standing operation of the snack bar should be taken into account. She recommended considering planning consent, though the vote led to the rejection of her proposal.
The council’s rationale for refusing planning permission cited the snack bar’s negative impact on the visual appearance of the locality and its incongruence with the surrounding area. Councillor Adamson challenged this reasoning, noting that the snack bar is obscured from direct view and does not impede pedestrian movement or traffic flow.
Following the meeting, Nettie stated her determination to continue operating the snack bar and mentioned having engaged with local MP Kirsteen Sullivan regarding her situation.
