Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillors Scoullar, McQueen and Walsh.

The Chairman ruled and the Committee agreed, that the Vale of Leven Hospital report be taken as a matter of urgency and be dealt with as item 8 of the minute.

None.

The Minute of the Area Committee of 2^nd September 2008 were approved as a correct record.

Members received an informative presentation from Eileen Wilson, Community Planning Manager.  A brief background and update were provided on the main aspects highlighted in the presentation, which included the Community Planning Partnership (CPP), Fairer Argyll and Bute (FAB), the Demonstration Project (DEMO) and the Third Sector Steering Group (TSSG). 

Decision

1.         Members noted the detail provided.

(Ref: Presentation by Community Planning Manager)

The Committee considered and determined Social Welfare Grants as follows:

(Ref: Report by Director of Community Services, submitted)

The Committee considered a report which provided information regarding a formal request to re-establish the twinning link from the island of Bute to Korcula in Croatia. 

Members have previously considered various twining links between Bute and Cowal and communities within the European Union.  An informal approach was made by the Mayor of Korcula, Croatian, to re invigorate the historic twinning link between the island of Bute and Korcula.

A formal request has now been made by the Mayor of Korcula, via his Consultant for International Affairs, for a delegation from Argyll and Bute Council to visit Korcula, hopefully as soon as October or November of this year, with a view to beginning formal proceedings in the re establishment of the twinning link.  It is the intention of the Mayor that during the proposed visit the finer details of bilateral relations between Korcula and Bute will be discussed, and the new twinning arrangement prepared.

Decision

1.         Agreed to recommend to the Executive that a delegation from Argyll and Bute visit Korcula with a view to establishing the previous twinning link between the island of Bute and the island of Korcula in Croatia.

 (Ref: Report by Area Corporate Services Manager, submitted)

The Committee heard a verbal report highlighting that this issue was previously discussed at the Area Committee meeting in September.  Councillor Walsh has since then met with Scottish Government officials with the objective of establishing a tripartite.  This was successfully achieved with the three organisations meeting on 26 September.  Councillor Walsh has now written to the Commissioner asking that he make consideration to request to work with European Union rules.  

Decision

1.         Agreed to note the contents of the verbal report.

(Ref: Verbal report by Area Corporate Services Manager)

Councillor Marshall asked what policing issues are currently prevalent in Bute.  Inspector Stephen highlighted attracting and retaining officers is an increasing problem.  There will be two recruitment days held to attempt to combat this problem, the first being held in Dunoon on 13 October and second in Bute on 14 October.

The Chief Inspector is endeavouring to raise awareness of where policing team are located by establishing Community Policing Teams.  This project is currently at an early stage. 

Inspector Stephen intimated that a local contact phone number will again be available to the public, allowing them to contact their local police station.  A website offering information will be made available, along with an email address for those not requiring an immediate response.

The Councillors questioned Alan Kerr on roads issues, including the length of time being taken to complete resurfacing, the residue remaining on the roads after excess rain fall and the apparent lack of manpower.  It was agreed a report be provided by the Head of Service regarding capital and work programmes. 

Anne Gabriel of Dunoon Community Council asked if the Christmas lights would be on this year.  Councillor Marshall confirmed this to be the case with the switch-on ceremony being held on 26 November. 

Anne Gabriel highlighted the issue of waste being dumped at the corner of Queen Street and Milton Road.  After much discussion it was agreed to pass this information to the Environmental Warden to ascertain who owns the land.  

Decision

The planning application be continued to the Area Committee on 4 November 2008 to allow Members a site familiarisation visit and the Planning Manager to provide information on relevant insulation expenses.  Agreed to invited Conservation Officer to attend the site visit.

(Ref: Report by Head of Planning, dated 26 September 2008, submitted)

Decision

The planning application be continued to the Area Committee on 4 November 2008 to allow Members a site familiarisation visit and the Planning Manager to provide information on relevant insulation expenses.  Agreed to invited Conservation Officer to attend the site visit.

(Ref: Report by Head of Planning, dated 26 September 2008, submitted)

Decision

The outline planning application be continued to the Business Day on 21 October 2008 to allow Members a site familiarisation visit.

(Ref: Report by Head of Planning, dated 26 September 2008, submitted)

Decision

The planning application be continued to the Area Committee on 4 November 2008 to allow Members to seek advice from officials regarding competent motions.

(Ref: Report by Head of Planning, dated 26 September 2008, submitted)

Decision

The listed building consent be continued to the Area Committee on 4 November 2008 to allow Members to seek advice from officials regarding competent motions.

(Ref: Report by Head of Planning, dated 26 September 2008, submitted)

The Committee noted the Delegated Development Control and Building Control Decisions made since the last meeting.

The Committee considered a report which provided them with an opportunity to make submissions to the Social Affairs PPG on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde “Visions for the Vale of Leven Hospital” pre consultation document.

Decision

1.         The Committee agreed the Motion submitted to the Council on 2 October with the additional issue of the concern regarding the distance required to be travelled for treatment as a patient and also for those visiting being highlighted as issues to be raised in support of the submission to be made by the Council.

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public for the following two items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9; and 13 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee considered a report which detailed the charges levied per car park space used by Scorpion Market Operator for the Weekly Market at the Coal Pier.

Decision

1.         The Committee agreed the recommendation in the report.

(Ref: Report by Network and Environment Manager, submitted)

Decision

Enforcement Report: 08/00288/ENOTH1: That in terms of the recommendations from the Head of Planning no further action be taken in this matter.

E1 - Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

E2 - Paragraph 13  Information which, if disclosed to the public, would reveal that the authority proposes-

(a)               to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or

(b)               to make an order or direction under any enactment.