Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillors Mary-Jean Devon and Fred Hall.

None declared.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.  Thereafter the Chair outlined the procedure that would be followed.

Councillor Currie queried why this Application was before Members as there had been no objections made to it.   Councillor Taylor advised that Applications which highlight previous criminal convictions come before the Committee for consideration regardless of whether or not objections have been made.

The Chair invited the Applicant to speak in support of his Application.

Applicant

Mr McAllister advised that he was applying for a Metal Dealer’s licence so that he could work in his family run business which has been operating for generations.  He advised that he had mistakenly thought he already had a licence as he had been granted a SEPA licence for scrap metal recycling.  Once he realised his mistake he submitted this Application which was now before Members for consideration.

The Chair invited Members to ask questions.

Members’ Questions

Councillor Taylor sought clarification on the type of licence Mr McAllister currently held and if this was granted under Civic Government legislation.  Mr McAllister confirmed that the licence he held had been granted by SEPA for scrap metal recycling and that he did not currently hold a licence under Civic Government legislation.

Councillor Trail sought clarification on how the business was run as from the detail in the Application the scrap metal was bought and sold on very quickly.  He asked if the business stored any scrap metal.  Mr McAllister confirmed that on a day to day basis scrap metal was bought and taken to Glasgow to sell.

Councillor McQueen asked if this licence would enable Mr McAllister to be employed.  Mr McAllister confirmed that if he was not granted the licence he would have to sign on.

Councillor MacMillan advised that he was aware of this family business which has been operating for many years and that he saw no reason why the licence should not be granted.

Councillor Kinniburgh agreed that he saw no reason why the licence could not be granted and noted that the criminal convictions had been drawn to Members’ attention.

Councillor Colville supported Councillor MacMillan, confirming that this family run business has been operating for many years in Campbeltown.

Decision

Agreed to grant a Metal Dealer’s Licence to Mr McAllister.

(Reference: Report by Head of Governance and Law, submitted)