MINUTES of MEETING of MID ARGYLL KINTYRE & ISLAY AREA COMMITTEE held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD on WEDNESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2006 Present: Councillor Alastair McKinlay (Chair) Councillor Rory Colville Councillor Robin Currie Councillor John Findlay Councillor Alison Hay Councillor Donald Kelly Councillor John McAlpine Councillor Bruce Robertson Attending: Deirdre Forsyth, Area Corporate Services Manager Katie McKenzie, Area Committee Assistant Donnie McLeod, Roads and Amenity Service Manager Richard Kerr, Senior Development Control Officer Patrick Mackie, Area Environmental Health Manager Andrew Robertson, Development Officer Chief Inspector Millar, Strathclyde Police John Ironside, Area Manager, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue The Chairman ruled, and the Committee agreed, in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2, that items 14 and 15, which were not specified in the Agenda, should be considered as matters of urgency. 1. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Councillor Donald MacMillan. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest. 3. PRESENTATION OF PLANNING DESIGN AWARDS 2006 It was noted that due to the high standard of entries received this year, everyone who made the shortlist received a highly commended certificate. These were sent to: - Craignish Village Hall, Craignish - Ardtalla Estate, Islay - Dalnaspidal, Tangy, By Campbeltown - Residential Development, Killarow, Bowmore, Islay - East Lodge, Poltalloch, Kilmartin. A presentation of an engraved bowl went to the winners of the Planning Design Award 2006, land at Ardencraig, Tarbert, which was accepted on behalf of Caroline Mcqueen by Duncan MacDonald, builder and the certificate to the architect, Rick McQueenie of DDA Architects. 4. MINUTE OF THE MEETING OF 4 OCTOBER 2006 The minute of the meeting of 4 October 2006 was approved as a correct record. Arising therefrom Councillor Kelly asked why there was no presence from the Ambulance Service and it was agreed to try to make contact again and invite them to a future Area Committee. Arising therefrom there was a discussion about the proposed pharmacy in Bowmore. The Committee agreed: 1. To ascertain whether the Council has been consulted in regard to this proposal. 2. To advise the Health Board of the opposition to a single pharmacy for Islay in Bowmore because of the effect on citizens who live in the other parts of the island. These citizens currently access pharmacy provision in Port Ellen and Port Charlotte. 3. To ask the Health Board, should citizens require to travel by public transport to Bowmore, will they be reimbursed these costs. 5. MINUTE OF THE BUSINESS DAY OF 25 OCTOBER 2006 The minute of the Business Day of 25 October 2006 was approved as a correct record subject to the amendment of paragraph 4 to read: “Agreed that, depending on individual circumstances, where the development costs far outweigh the benefits of continuing to expand a small local cemetery, consideration should be given to imposing a restriction on any site within a 15 mile radius of a main area cemetery, but this restriction may not be applied where there are special circumstances, for example, islands or existing rural and other cemeteries which cover a larger geographical area.” 6. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Chief Inspector Millar gave the Committee a brief update on what has been happening in the area. He explained that although they now have the power to seize cars whose drivers are deemed anti-social they have not yet had to issue any warnings. It is thought that the threat of having vehicles removed has been deterrent enough. Councillors McKinlay and Kelly stated that there has been a spate of vandalism in Campbeltown, and asked how the police were dealing with this. C I Millar advised that 8 people have been reported for vandalism in Campbeltown. He also agreed to consider a more visual presence of police in the area. Councillor Kelly the raised the speeding of a minority of drivers through 20mph speed limits outside Southend, Glenbarr and Drumlemble Primary Schools. C I Millar agreed to action this and bring someone from the road policing unit to the next Area Committee. In relation to this Donnie McLeod stated that he is meeting with the local traffic Sergeant next week and they will be discussing how effectively these speed limits can be policed. Councillor McKinlay asked how successful the new Falcon mobile speed detection radar has been and C I Millar stated it has been very successful. CI Millar confirmed he would support a bye-law banning drinking in the square in Bowmore. John Ironside from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue then gave the Committee a brief update on the work which has been ongoing in the area. It was noted that partnership working has been progressing well although it is still in its infancy. He stated that there has been some anti-social behaviour towards fire crews in Campbeltown recently and they are now looking at diversionary activities to counteract this. Councillor Colville asked if there are any plans for the fire service to be the first point of contact in an emergency now NHS 24 is operational. Mr Ironside stated that while there have been numerous meetings to discuss this, there has not yet been any decision. 7. PLANNING APPLICATION 06/01541/DET Mr and Mrs W MacKinnon. Detailed Planning Permission. Erection of one dwellinghouse. Land north-west of Longisle, Knocknaha, Campbeltown. Decision It is recommended that planning permission be granted as a ‘minor departure’ to the provisions of the development plan, subject to the standard conditions and reasons and the conditions and reasons listed in the report by the Head of Planning dated 31 October 2006. (Reference: Report by Head of Planning dated 31 October 2006, submitted). 8. DELEGATED DECISIONS The Committee noted the decisions issued by the Head of Planning dated 18 October 2006. 9. CAMPBELTOWN ACTION PLAN AND AREAS FOR ACTION PRIORITIES The Committee considered a report seeking determination regarding the key priorities for the Campbeltown and Kintyre Strategy and the ‘Areas for Action’. These will be submitted to the Strategic Policy Committee as a bid for corporate funding. Decision The Committee agreed the following items be submitted to the Strategic Policy Committee as a bid for corporate funding: 1. Campbeltown Strategy priorities: (i) Repairs to public buildings - £500,000 (ii) Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Shortfall - £100,000 (iii) Roads and Car Parking elements of Kinloch Road Regeneration - £600,000 (iv) Public Realm Works - £2m over 5 years 2. Areas for Action priorities: Area for Task 2007- 2008- 2009- Total Action (capital 2008 2009 2010 support requested unless noted) Inveraray Enhancement £10,000 Project Maintenance £40,000 Scheme Building £12,500 £12,500 £75,000 Repair Grants Ardrishaig Masterplan £10,000 (revenue) Waterfront £40,000 £50,000 Development Kilmory £40,000 £60,000 £100,000 Home Farm Clock Stabilise £40,000 £40,000 Lodge Craighouse Car parking £60,000 £60,000 (Reference: Report by Development Projects Management Projects Manager, submitted and Supplementary Report by Development Officer, tabled). 10. PORT ASKAIG REDEVELOPMENT - PROGRESS REPORT The Committee considered a report outlining the current position regarding the ongoing redevelopment of Port Askaig. There are still issues regarding land acquisition which are currently being actioned. Decision The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed the amendment that the new public conveniences will remain open outwith ferry times. (Reference: Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services, submitted). 11. PROPOSED FORMATION OF A BUS STOP AND ALTERATIONS TO THE TAXI RANKS IN MAIN STREET, CAMPBELTOWN The Committee considered a report outlining the proposals to improve public transport facilities and provide a better taxi rank provision within Campbeltown. Decision The Committee approved the proposals contained within the report. (Reference: Report by Area Roads and Amenity Services Manager dated 8 November 2006, submitted). 12. OCCUPATION OF FOOTWAYS - SHOP FRONT DISPLAYS The Committee considered a report regarding the occupation of footways to facilitate/conduct business and consider measures to address potential obstruction difficulties. Decision The Committee approved the acceptable use criteria required by Roads and Amenity Services to control footway use by retailers which would be used only if there were any complaints. (Reference: Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated 8 November 2006, submitted). 13. BYE-LAWS - BOWMORE The Committee considered a report updating them on the position regarding bye-laws to prevent drinking of alcohol in public places in Bowmore, Isle of Islay and Tarbert. Decision The Committee agreed: 1. To instruct an investigation into the bye-law for Bowmore, and, 2. To take no action in regard to Tarbert. (Reference: Report by Head of Legal Services, submitted). 14. CONSULTATION ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION DELIVERY EXCEPTIONS REVIEW The Committee looked at a report drawing attention to a review by Postcomm of the delivery exceptions policy to the Universal Service Obligation (USO). Decision The Committee agreed to comment on the consultation as follows: The response to Minimum Delivery Frequency should include the following: “The Council has already stated people in rural areas depend on postal services, and that does not support any change, that is, any reduction, in the minimum delivery frequency. Instead, a higher