Decision made :)
Thanks for all the replies, folks.
After taking I to account the comments here and talking to a few different schools and clubs, I've decided to go down the route of NPPL(M), adding NPPL(SSEP) rating and then convert it to an LAPL before the April 2018 deadline.
There's are 3 main reasons why I'm doing it this way. The first is cost; for the NPPL(M) at Perth, tuition in an EV97 is £125 an hour. The second is that going this route will give me experience on more aircraft; EV97 first, then onto the more traditional PA38 or C152 for the SSEP rating. The third is my proximity to Perth. I can drive there in about an hour.
I spoke to Jim at Alba Airsports who seems like a great guy to learn from. The club at Perth also seems like a great community of flyers.
So, hopefully I'll be starting soon!