Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Audrey Forrest, Graham Archibald Hardie, Roderick McCuish, George Freeman and Mary-Jean Devon.

There were no declarations of interest.

Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. 

The Chair outlined the procedure that would be followed and invited the Applicant to speak in support of his application.

Councillor Rory Colville raised a point of order in relation to the Taxi Survey report which the Committee had considered at the earlier meeting of the PPSL Committee, and asked how that would impact on the proceeding for this hearing.

The Solicitor from Legal Services advised that in terms of following the principles of natural justice and in order to allow all parties sufficient time to digest the information contained within the report, that was only approved that morning, that all parties should have 14 days’ notice in order to allow time to digest and consider the provision, therefore his advice was to continue the matter.

Councillor Jean Moffat stated that in order to remain fair to all parties that the hearing be continued.  Councillor Gordon Blair agreed that a continuation would be appropriate in order to remain fair and stated that after the Objectors had considered the provisions within the Taxi Survey report they may decide whether or not to continue with their objection just as the Applicant may decide whether or not to continue or he may decide to withdraw his application.

The Chair asked the Applicant his views on the potential of the Committee seeking a continuation and he stated that as he did not know what was in the survey he was concerned that the Application could be granted only for the Objectors to appeal, so he said yes he was happy with a continuation.

The Chair then asked the Objectors their views on the potential of the Committee seeking a continuation.  After seeking confirmation from the Solicitor that there would not be anything relevant from the Scottish Government to further add to the findings of the report, they stated that they would support a continuation.

DECISION

The Committee unanimously agreed to continue the application to a future meeting in order to allow time for all parties to consider the findings of the Taxi and Private Hire Survey report.

(Reference: Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support, submitted)