MINUTES of MEETING of MID ARGYLL KINTYRE & ISLAY AREA
MINUTES of MEETING of MID ARGYLL KINTYRE & ISLAY AREA COMMITTEE held in the GIGHA VILLAGE HALL on WEDNESDAY, 3 MAY 2006
Present: Councillor Alastair McKinlay (Chair)
Councillor Rory Colville Councillor Robin Currie Councillor Donald Kelly Councillor Donald MacMillan Councillor John McAlpine
Attending: Deirdre Forsyth, Area Corporate Services Manager Donnie McLeod, Roads and Amenity Services Manager Richard Kerr, Senior Development Control Officer Peter Bain, Development Control Officer Felicity Kelly, Community Learning and Regeneration Manager Karen Henderson, Assistant Public Transport Officer Katie McKenzie, Area Committee Assistant Lorna Andrew, Gigha Heritage Trust Deputy Chief Constable Ricky Gray, Strathclyde Police Chief Inspector Harry Millar, Strathclyde Police Douglas Anderson, Head of Property Services, Strathclyde Police John Griffiths, District Officer, MCA
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillors Alison Hay and John McAlpine.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Robin Currie declared a non-pecuniary interest in the application by the Columba Centre at item 14.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF 5 APRIL 2006
The minutes of the meeting of 5 April 2006 were approved.
Arising from item 16 Councillor Kelly asked that Deirdre Forsyth write to Scottish Water to clarify whether the recent mains water connection to Defence Estates Machrihanish has added to the Campbeltown water constraints.
Also arising from item 16, Councillor Findlay informed the Committee of the situation of the Islay Hotel. It was agreed to write to Scottish Water regarding this and ask the Local Network Group to carry this forward.
4. MINUTES OF CIVIC GOVERNMENT HEARING OF 5 APRIL 2006
The minutes of the Civic Government Hearing of 5 April 2006 were approved.
5. GIGHA ISSUES PRESENTATION
Lorna Andrew gave an interesting and informative presentation about the changes which have taken place on Gigha since the Heritage Trust took over in 2002. She stated that the population has risen from 89 to 135 and the school roll has risen from 6 to 14.
She gave details of various projects including the windfarm, housing and many others.
Decision
1. The Committee thanked Lorna for her excellent presentation and noted its contents. 2. It was agreed to ask the Education Service to provide a report for the next Area Committee meeting addressing accommodating the rising numbers at the Primary School. 3. It was agreed to write to Scottish Water regarding the water constraints on Gigha, which are hampering the sustainability of the island.
6. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME / QUESTIONS FOR STRATHCLYDE POLICE
1. A written question was received from Mr W Crossan, Head Teacher, Campbeltown Grammar School.
“The Gigha school children are dropped off by the School bus at about 1610 and have to wait in the unheated and unlit bus shelter at Tayinloan for the 1700 ferry. The ferry arrives at Tayinloan at about 1650 and they can usually get on board at about 1655. They therefore have at least 35 minutes to wait. Although this may not seem like a hardship, in Winter, Spring and Autumn [i.e. most of the school year] the weather is cold and windy at Tayinloan. It is dark at this time for a good few months too.
The request is that on school days, the 1600 ferry waits till 1630 and there is a consequent re-adjustment to the 1700 and, in Summer the 1800 ferries from Tayinloan. So far Caledonian MacBrayne have not been willing to adjust the service.
I request the Area Committee to take this up with Caledonian MacBrayne on behalf of the school.”
It was noted that the bus was timetabled to arrive at 16.27 but Is often much earlier than that.
It was agreed Karen Henderson would take this up with the bus operator and would write to Caledonian MacBrayne regarding a possible adjustment to the timetable.
It was noted that the service bus waits at Kennacraig for the Islay ferry and it was suggested this could be put in place at Tayinloan for the Gigha ferry.
2. Councillor Colville informed the Committee that he has been receiving a large number of complaints about late night parties and when the police are called, the noise quietens until they leave and then it starts again. Chief Inspector Millar explained that for noise nuisance complaints, the offenders have to first be warned to quieten down before any further action can be taken so complainers must continue to call and report if noise persists after the police have attended.
DCC Gray suggested that when the first call is received the police should advise the complainer not to hesitate to call again if the noise restarts. He went on to describe the police contact centre service and how much improved the response times have been as a result. Strathclyde Police are monitoring the call centre results on a frequent basis, and a very high level of staff training has been put in place.
3. Councillor McKinlay stated that he has noticed a that a lot of secondary pupils are becoming lawless and disrespectful suggested that the Police should forge relationships with these youths in order to keep them behaving appropriately. Chief Inspector Millar agreed that the Police will continue to contact Councillors to receive reports of any problems occurring in their wards.
4. Councillor Kelly asked what plans were in place to relieve police officers from the job of monitoring firearms licences. DCC Gray explained that support staff have been recruited to deal with firearms enquiries and it was also note that as many roles as possible are now being civilianised.
5. Councillor Currie then enquired if there had been any problems with the recently implemented smoking ban. DCC Gray advised that only one person has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for refusing to pay their fine.
7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The Committee considered and dealt with the applications for planning permission as detailed below.
05/01530/OUT Mr G Campbell. Outline. Site for erection of dwellinghouse. Land at Lorgba, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay.
Motion
That the Committee endorse the recommendation contained in the report by Head of Planning.
Moved by Councillor McKinlay, seconded by Councillor MacMillan.
Amendment
That consideration of this application be continued to a Site Inspection.
Moved by Councillor Currie, seconded by Councillor Colville.
Decision
1. The amendment was carried by 5 votes to 2. 2. That a Site Inspection be held on Thursday 11 May 2006 at 2pm.
(Reference – Report by Head of Planning dates 18 April 2006, submitted).
06/00208/OUT
Mr R Gilmour. Outline. Site for erection of dwellinghouse. Land at Quarry, East of Largiemore Farm, Kilkenzie, Campbeltown.
Decision
That outline planning permission be granted as a ‘minor departure’ to the provisions of the development plan, subject to the standard outline conditions and reasons and the conditions and reasons listed in the report by Head of Planning dated 18 April 2006.
(Reference – Report by Head of Planning dated 18 April 2006, submitted).
8. DELEGATED DECISIONS
The Committee noted the decisions issued by the Director of Development Services dated 12 April 2006.
(Reference – Report by Director of Development Services dated 12 April 2006, submitted).
9. GIGHA MULTI USE BUILDING
The Committee considered a report outlining a proposal to investigate the provision of a multi use Servicepoint building near the ferry slip on Gigha.
John Griffuths of the MCA, DCC Gray and Jane Rennie on behalf of Gigha Heritage Trust expressed their support for the foregoing project, in particular Jane Rennie advised that the tenant of the ground adjacent to the ferry slip was supportive of the proposal. Decision
The Committee agreed to the proposal and supports officers investigations into funding opportunities.
(Reference – Report by Area Corporate Services Manager dated 30 March 2006, submitted).
10. PENINVER FOOTPATH
The Committee considered a report outlining a proposal to reallocate area capital monies originally set aside for the formation of a new Peninver footpath to signage on the B842. There is a requirement for safety signage on the B842 for cars, cyclists and pedestrians because this road is both the SUSTRANS route and that of the Kintyre Way.
Decision
The Committee agreed that the sum allocated from the area capital budget for the formation of a new Peninver footpath be reallocated to the provision of signage on the B842.
(Reference – Report by Area Corporate Services Manager dated 10 April 2006, submitted).
11. A816 LOCHGILPHEAD TO OBAN ROAD - LANE CLOSURE AT CARNASSARIE
The Committee considered a report informing them of the implications of the recent decision by the Strategic Policy Committee not to undertake any remedial works on the failed retaining wall adjacent to the A816 Lochgilphead to Oban Road at Carnassarie.
Decision
It was agreed to continue consideration of the report to the next meeting in order to enable Donnie McLeod to provide a breakdown of the estimated costs.
(Reference – Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated April 2006, submitted).
12. RURAL TRANSPORT GRANT
The Committee considered a report which outlined proposals for experimental public transport services to be funded by the Rural Transport Grant that the Council receives from the Scottish Executive.
Decision
The Committee agreed the use of Rural Transport Grant to provide the additional public transport services as detailed in the report. (Reference – Report by Head of Transportation and Infrastructure dated 3 May 2006, submitted). Arising therefrom it was noted that Councillor Kelly was disappointed that a pilot bus service between Campbeltown and Lochgilphead for people employed in the area had not been included. It was agreed that a report on this be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee.
13. HITRANS OBJECTIVES - VERBAL REPORT
The Committee were informed that the development of the Hitrans Regional Transport Strategy is being undertaken at present and a number of consultation seminars have been held to establish what the objectives of the Strategy should be. The objectives will be agreed that the Hitrans Board Meeting in May.
Decision
It was agreed to request that the following objectives be forwarded to the Hitrans Board meeting to be considered for inclusion in the Regional Transport Strategy:
1. Lifeline ferry services and reduction of costs of these 2. A83 improvements from Campbeltown to Loch Fyne Head. 3. Strategic Commercial Routes 4. Campbeltown/Ballycastle Ferry
14. A82 TARBET - FORT WILLIAM IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee considered a report which outlined measure to improve the A82 trunk road between Tarbet and Fort William.
Decision
The Committee recognised the potential significant economic benefits to the area which these improvements will generate.
(Reference – Report by Head of Transportation and Infrastructure dated May 2006, submitted).
15. GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
The Committee considered the allocation of the Education and Leisure Development Grants.
Decision
The Committee agreed:
1. That £1,000 be vired from Leisure Development to the Education Development Grant budget. 2. That grants be agreed as follows:-
Organisation Project cost Request Leisure Education
Argyll Drama Festival 3250 980 882 Islay and Jura Dolphins 3000 1500 900 450 Jura Music Festival 11950 1000 540 360 Islay and Jura 6972 972 477 360 Kilmartin House School 5555 2182 1080 360 KYES 91769 6000 5130 Mid Argyll Community 2500 1000 765 Mid Argyll Cricket Club 3760 2260 1575 Mid Argyll Music Festival 8965 3665 1715 Mid Argyll Sailing Club 27000 3000 Mid Argyll U3A 1150 1150 450 Mid Argyll U3A 1150 1150 450 Mid Argyll Youth Project 27275 13000 4680 Museum of Islay Life 4170 2000 900 Mull of Kintyre Run Committee 4645 752 677 Mull Theatre 45945 964 867 Scottish Community Drama Assocn 2300 750 450 Special Needs Parents Support Group 2268 1468 1020 Tarbert Conservation Initiative 3623 823 Tarbert Loch Fyne Yacht Club 1900 450 405 Tarbert Junior Gaelic Choir 3050 1000 Tarbert Youth group 8034 3034 2475 The Columba Centre 3225 1625 630 360 Argyll Federation WRI 1400 400 315 Assembly Direct 34792 5000 Finlaggan Trust 3900 1950 630 Campbeltown Brass 25568 8068 1395 315 Carradale Village Hall 3000 1000 360 360 Coisir og Dalriada 2812 1842 540 315 Girlguiding Argyll
3250 500 360 Islay and Jura Dog Management 2461 1230 360 Dalintober Millknowe Community flat 5950 2975 720 Dalintober Millknowe Playscheme 4600 1250 1029
Totals 354484 71608 14157 20050
(Reference – Report by Area Community Learning and Regeneration Manager dated May 2006, submitted)
The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public from the following item of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 13 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
16. ENFORCEMENT 05/00094/ENFOTH
05/00094/ENFOTH
Decision
The Committee agreed that enforcement action be taken as detailed in the report.
(Reference – Report by Head of Planning dated 19 April 2006, submitted).