Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor Ron Simon

Councillor J R Walsh

John Duncan, Area Children’s Manager

Chief Inspector Mosley, Strathclyde Police

The Committee wished to forward their best wishes to Councillor Walsh on his recent illness and wished him a speedy recovery.

None

The Chairman ruled and the Committee agreed, in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2 that reports regarding the 485 Bus Service, Site at Collumshill Terrace and the Proposed Lease Extension (Dunoon & District Angling Club), dealt with at items 4(e), 9(b) and 9(c)  of this minute, be taken as matters of urgency due to decisions being needed before the scheduled Area Committee meeting in June.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Area Committee held on 1^st February 2011 were approved as a correct record.

The Committee heard a verbal update from the Area Governance Manager on the Gourock/Dunoon Ferry Service.  She advised that the tender process was underway and the outcome would be known in May.

Decision

The Committee noted the details provided on this matter.

Members heard from the Area Governance Manager on the work of both the Cruach Mhor and Clachan Flats Wind Farm Trusts.

Decision

The Committee noted the details provided on this matter.

(Reference: Report by the Area Governance Manager dated 10^th March 2011 – submitted)

Members heard from the Area Governance Manager on a request made by the PA23 Business Improvement Steering Group for a Member of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee to be a member of the Steering Group.

Decision

The Committee unanimously decided Councillor Marshall should be the Member of the Bute & Cowal Area Committee to be the member of the Steering Group.

(Reference: Report by the Area Governance Manager dated 25^th March 2011 – submitted)

Members heard from the Area Governance Manager on the progress made by services in delivering the agreed Bute & Cowal Area Plan.

Decision

The Committee agreed:-

i.                     To note the progress made by services in financial year 2010/11 in delivering the agreed Area Plan for Bute and Cowal.

ii.                   The Area Governance Manager would make the required changes to the Area Plan and circulate this to Members.

iii.                  A scorecard which reflects the amendments to the plan will be submitted to the June Area Committee for discussion and agreement.

iv.                 A report on the Kiosk at the Meadows in Rothesay should come to the June Area Committee.

(Reference:  Report by the Area Governance Manager – submitted)

Members heard from the Public Transport Officer on the Council’s supported bus Service 485 and the proposal to terminate most of these journeys at Glenfinart due to the unsuitability of the Sligrachan terminus turning area and the minimal use made of the service beyond Glenfinart.

Decision

The Committee agreed that with the exception of two journeys on schooldays only, all journeys on Council funded bus service 485 which currently terminate at Sligrachan will in future terminate at Glenfinart.

(Reference: Report by the Head of Facility Services – tabled)

The Committee heard from the Quality Improvement Officer on the achievements of the primary schools in Bute and Cowal in school session 2009/10.

Decision

The Committee noted the excellent work being undertaken in the local primary schools and commended the pupils and staff for these outstanding achievements.

(Reference: Report by the Quality Standards Manager – submitted)

The Community Development Officer spoke on the recommendation for the award of Third Sector Grants and the Committee considered and determined the Third Sector Grants as follows:-

(Reference: Report by the Community Development Manager – submitted)

Inspector Gordon Anderson updated members o the activities Strathclyde Police have been working on in recent months.  Inspector Anderson advised that due to the retirement of PC Stewart they have a new officer starting in May.  He further advised that a civilian post will also be advertised.  Strathclyde Police have been working with Trading Standards on tobacco test purchasing in the area.  Inspector Anderson said that there are a pair of Sea Eagles on the Island and the Police are on the alert for Wildlife crime.

Councillor Scoullar asked how the new shifts were working and if there would be a new Campus Officer and Inspector Anderson gave advice.

Members heard a verbal update from the Area Governance Manager on the Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme

Decision

The Committee noted the details provided.

Members heard from the Statutory Planning Officer and the Planning/Development Officer on the Main Issues Report, the first formal stage of the emerging Local Development Plan.

Decision

The Committee agreed:-

i.                     To approve the Main Issues Report as a basis for public consultation and delegate the Development Policy Manager to submit the Main Issues Report to the Council’s Executive for final approval and then the Scottish Ministers.

ii.                   To delegate to the Development Policy Manager to undertake the Main Issues Report public consultation in line with the statutory requirements and the Participation Statement as set out in the latest version of the Development Plan Scheme.

(Reference: Report by the Development Policy Manager – submitted)

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

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the sale of Ground at Ardbeg and Port Bannatyne.

Decision

The Committee agreed to point 2.1 i and ii of the supplementary report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference:  Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 5^th April 2011 – tabled)

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the interest received in respect of a site at Collumshill Terrace, Rothesay.

Decision

The Committee agreed to point 2.1(a) i and ii of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 1^st April 2011 – tabled)

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on a request received from the Dunoon & District Angling Club to extend their lease.

Decision

The Committee agreed to point 2.1 of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 1^st April 2011 – tabled)