Issue - meetings

Robert Millar- asked anyone affected to submit comments about the planning application currently before the council for a wind farm.

He noted that the Manse Brae Residents association was still dealing with a planning issue re the Old School Site and that the Community Council welcomed the proposal to install a new path in the Barbluie woodland exiting at Macintyre terrace.

Cllr MacMillan noted that he understood that the lighting issue referred to would be resolved before the autumn and also noted that the Planning application referred to has been “called in” by the Scottish Government and consequently the  decision no longer rests with the council.

There was no update from Lochgilphead Community Council.

Bob Millar returning Convenor of the Lochgilphead Community Council confirmed that the CC had chosen its office bearers.  He also noted that the CC was continuing to pursue its issues re planning with the Council re the old school site at Manse Brae these issues primarily relating to inadequate planning enforcement.

Bob Millar noted that the developer had not yet submitted plans for the necessary landscaping of the housing development.  It was however reported by the Lochgilphead CC convenor that he understood that the path from the new houses behind Manse Brae down to Blarbluie Road were to have the path upgraded with lighting and the railings to be removed.  Bob reported that this matter is to be further discussed at a meeting of the Community Council on 19^th Dec.

Peter Kastelein reported on the following:-

·         Recent meeting held on 14 June with Visit Scotland at the lack of tourist information in Lochgilphead. 

·         Implementation of enforcement of procedures on local building sites.

·         Finalisation of Memo of Understanding with Infinus which the community council were not willing to commit to at this stage, but wished to leave for the new community council to determine following the October elections.

It was agreed that an invitation would be made to South Knapdale, Dunadd and Inveraray to attend future MAP meetings.

Bob Millar reported on the following:-

·         There was a Stage 2 complaint with Argyll and Bute Council in regards to the conditions for planning consent at the Old High School site in Lochgilphead.

·         Forthcoming meeting had been scheduled with Visit Scotland to discuss the issue of proper tourist information representation in Lochgilphead.

Betty Rhodick continued with information on forthcoming events:-

·         Flag Raising day                     -           26 June

·         Armed Forces Day                 -           6 July

·         Multiple Sclerosis Open Day  -           17 August

Betty Rhodick reported on the recent issue of phones being knocked out by contractors carrying out works at Lochgilphead Joint Campus.  On reporting the issue to the contractors in question, Betty voiced her concerns at the lack of empathy she had received.

She detailed another issue, whereby correspondence relevant to a  recent planning objection had not been acknowledged.  Bob Millar reported that he had written directly to Sandy Mactaggart on this matter and had not received a reply to date.

The Chair advised the group on the Council’s response policy and detailed the complaints procedure should the Community Council wish to formalise their complaint.  Further discussion followed in the provision of an advisory document detailing relevant Council officers contact details for local Community Councils.

Decision:

1. Noted that the Area Governance officer would ascertain the status of the Lochgilphead Community Council complaint and report his findings back to the Community Council Convener and the Members as appropriate.
2. Noted that the Area Governance Officer would compile a short report with relevant Council officers contact details for dissemination to Community Councils.        

Bob Millar reported on the following:-

The main issue was the development of the old high school site, in particular the creation of a footpath, he had written to Fyne Homes in Rothesay regarding this. Drainage at the site was also causing flooding to some peoples gardens, he has spoken to Planning and he will submit photos to them.

There had been little response to the two recent by-elections held, one candidate was appointed at the first round and none for the second. There was a discussion on the Community Council by-elections around the paperwork, the need to include the electoral number, tight timelines for submitting nomination papers, promotion of date of election rather than date of close of nomination and more advance notice. Advice was given on the need to provide personal details on the nomination form in terms of the election rules and the regulatory framework of the timelines. Community Council secretaries are written to months in advance of by-elections to enquire if they would like one held but it was noted that a draft timetable could be included and the paperwork could be looked at for the future legislative constraints permitting.

Bob Millar requested that future meetings be held in Kilmory due to better facilities for people with hard of hearing.

Bob Miller reported on the following:-

Ø      Issues – path at the old High School site and also Blairbuie- Kilmory

Ø      Signage – remote footways 

Ø      Bowling green, Lochgilphead – part of the fencing was down and this presented a Health and Safety issue due to the proximity of the burn

Ø      Trees on the front green – Bob still has issues in regards the effectiveness of the guards which have been put in place

Action: Fergus Murray would relay the remote footways and path issues to Jolyon Gritten