Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Planning and Regulatory Services

Charles Reppke advised that the same procedure would be followed as for the previous application and he then invited those who wished to speak to identify themselves.

Planning

Howard Young advised that this application by GSS was for the change of use of land for the temporary siting of a modular building for office accommodation with associated parking, 2 containers, welfare facilities and installation of pontoons at Rhu Marina.  He referred to a number of photographs and slides showing the entrance and location of the site.  He advised that the terms of the planning application were assessed against planning policy and a key issue was the impact of a temporary building on the wider Conservation area.  He advised that this part of the Marina was a very tired industrial site and it was considered that it would undermine the character of the Conservation area.  However, given the proposal is temporary in nature and will have a positive economic impact it can be justified as a ‘minor departure’ to Policy LP ENV 14 and as a departure to the PDA 3/29 development brief which requires a Masterplan.  He recommended approval of the application subject to the conditions detailed in supplementary report number 1.

Applicant

Stuart McFarlane advised that he was a solicitor representing GSS and that he was accompanied by the Managing Director James McGarry and Alistair Campbell, Architect.

Mr McFarlane advised that GSS was a local success story and liked to fly under the radar.  They were established in 1989 to undertake marina support work.  They have an annual turnover of £20m and £20m in assets and employ over 200 staff with more than 50% of business coming from overseas.  He advised that GSS were one if not the most successful SME in the country and what was important about the success of this local business was the knock on effect to other local businesses.  He referred to members of GSS being members of the local coastguard.  He also referred to the support given by GSS to local events such as the Rhu and Shandon Gala Day, the sailing school and the sailing regatta.  He advised that GSS required office accommodation that was smart and fit for purpose and that the present accommodation was not suitable.  He referred to the need for a Masterplan and advised that there was no possibility of GSS sterilising this Masterplan.  He advised that GSS had applied for planning permission for a temporary building and had become embroiled in the Masterplan.  He advised that GSS had a keen interest in the overall Marina and that they have secured a lease on site for the temporary building.

James McGarry advised that he was from Rhu and that it was important to him that the company remained in Rhu.  He advised that GSS would continue to do what it has always done at the Marina and that this temporary office accommodation was not a portakabin but a timber structure and that he did not think the current accommodation had another winter in it.  He advised that GSS were absolutely committed to the area and referred to contracts they had with the MOD at Faslane which meant they had to stay in the area.  He advised that this would be a purely admin centre with no heavy engineering.  He advised that they already operated within the residential area and have proven that this works.  He advised that what is proposed to be put up will fit well, will be fenced off and will have quality planters.  He advised that this proposal was non commercial, not a portakabin and just a stop gap until the Marina issues were resolved.

Consultees

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Jack Rudram advised that he recognised the achievements of GSS.  He advised that the Community Council did not think this proposal was as temporary as presented.  He referred to concerns about the containers for workshop and stores.  He advised that the screening proposed was very poor but noted that a condition in respect of this screening would be attached if approved.  He advised that temporary approval for 2 years would be acceptable if there was a Masterplan and advised that it was more difficult to see where it would go from here without the Masterplan.  He advised that the pontoons were described as temporary but had a permanent feel about them.  He noted Planning comments that they were uncomfortable with an ugly building but that it could be accepted with screening.  He advised that the current building should be demolished before this new building was constructed.  He advised that noise pollution should be managed to ensure locals were not subjected to noise nuisance.  He advised that a permanent solution was not apparent and that if this application was approved it should come with stringent conditions.

Environmental Health

Mary Watt advised that Environmental Health had no objection to this proposal in principle but, as detailed in the planning report, further information had been requested regarding the servicing of vehicles at the pontoon.

Supporters

Councillor Corry advised that he whole heartedly supported the GSS application and that the Committee had heard that this business was a local success story with international status and that it was important to encourage this business.  He advised that Mr McGarry ran a very good team here that wished to remain in Rhu and the need for the temporary building had been explained.  He advised that the company’s involvement with the local community was immense and that they needed to support two of their contracts at Faslane.  He advised that he endorsed this application and hoped that it would be approved.

Objectors

John McGall advised that GSS have owned accommodation at Pier Road for 25 years.  He referred to the industrial yard in the area designed for marine storage.  He advised that the yard was a significant size and detailed the contents of it and the equipment stored there.  He advised that choosing the Marina for siting of this temporary building  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4