Plans to replace four regular spaces in a Renfrew car park with two electric vehicle (EV) charging bays have been rubber-stamped by Renfrewshire Council.

Applicant Swarco Smart Charging has been granted planning permission for the proposed changes at the facility in the town’s Glebe Street.

The project will also include the introduction of an upstand, power unit, feeder pillar, bollards, signage and floodlight at the site.

A cover letter from JMS Planning and Development, the applicant’s agent, was submitted to the local authority as part of the application.

It said: “There is a significant volume of policy supporting the proposed application, both at the local and national level.

“All of this policy seeks to presume in favour of electric vehicle charging and additional electric vehicle charging points in the council area.

“As such, the principle of the application is wholly supported by planning policy.

“The development will provide environmental benefits through the provision of the EV charging bays which will support measures that mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including low carbon and renewable energy schemes.

“Moreover, in Scotland, permitted development rights support the installation of electric vehicle charging upstands and associated equipment in existing parking areas, provided certain criteria are met.

“While the proposal aligns with some of these criteria, others are not met.

“Nevertheless, the existence of these rights underscores nationwide support for the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.”

The letter, sent to the council in September, continued: “Overall, the proposal will bring significant enhancement to an existing car parking area supporting Renfrew town centre, ideally positioned to serve customers as well as local residents.

“The proposal will ensure that their needs and expectations are fully met.”

A report of handling by the planning department shed some background on the local authority’s decision to approve the plans.

It said: “The development is … considered to have a positive impact on the place as it will make provision for charging of EV vehicles without significant impact on visual amenity or the environment.”

In its official decision notice, issued earlier this month, the council confirmed the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan.