Asda has launched an appeal to install a reverse vending machine at its store in Maryhill, Glasgow, after the council refused to give it a certificate of lawful proposed use.
The supermarket wants to put in a vending machine to get ready for Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which has been delayed until at least October 2025.
The machine would be located under a shelter beside the store’s main entrance on a large area used by customers going into the shop on Rothes Drive.
Glasgow council planners said the machine potentially faces a road, which is not allowed – pointing out they consider a car park, pavement and any private road is included in that definition.
In addition, they said it is questionable whether the reverse vending machine is within the shop’s curtilage, which is also required.
However, the supermarket giant has lodged an appeal with the government against a council decision to “refuse to issue a certificate of lawful proposed use” for the bid, according to documents lodged.
An appeal statement from Asda said: “To date all other applications have been approved by their respective local planning authorities for stores at Dumbarton, Coatbridge, Dundee Kirkton, St Leonards (Dunfermline), Irvine, Middleton Park (Aberdeen), Blantyre, Clydebank and Hamilton.”
The statement added that the position of the reverse vending machine on a “paved area adjacent to the store entrance is therefore clearly within its curtilage”.
It pointed out that Scottish Government advice said that “curtilage refers to land directly associated with the building.”
In relation to the council’s concerns about the machine facing a road, Asda’s appeal statement said the Scottish government has stated it “would allow the installation of reverse vending machines in carparks associated with retail outlets”.
The Scottish Government reporter has yet to decide on the appeal.
