Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were intimated on behalf of Councillor Julie McKenzie. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 14 December 2022, was approved as a correct record. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, held on 8 February 2023 , was noted. 

 Mary Braithwaite and Innes McQueen on behalf of Luing Community Council

When will the long-promised Ferry Users' Survey be undertaken? If this survey will not be undertaken in the next few months, what measures will the Council take to urgently review the needs of users of Cuan ferry, particularly those using the ferry to commute to and from work?

Mark Calder confirmed that the timetable will be looked at;, advising that there are currently two posts to be filled for Project Management, one of which will cover, among other things, the Council’s ferry’s review. Mr Calder advised that it is anticipated that the posts will be filled shortly, but no exact timescale can be given. Mr Calder confirmed that he would liaise with Luing Community Council directly on this matter as the recruitment and review progresses.

Mary Braithwaite and Innes McQueen on behalf of Luing Community Council

What can be done to facilitate a meeting and open discussion between the Council and Luing representatives to resolve the critical issue of travel arrangements for primary-school children on Luing, who are now expected to undertake two long journeys each day involving three modes of transport to attend school on a neighbouring island?

Mark Calder advised that the Council had met the legislative requirements for safe transport which are currently in place. Mr Calder gave a commitment to liaise with the Community Council directly on this matter and to facilitate a meeting to discuss their concerns.

Question by Duncan Martin

There have been a number of applications for Short Term Leases for a flat within a stair otherwise occupied by permanent residents. It is clear that these residences are incompatible, Short Term Leases are bad neighbours. Can the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee make a decision and amend the Council Policy on Short Term Leases?

Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth, advised that a licensing process is being introduced for Short Term Leases across all Local Authorities and Argyll and Bute Council have already received 200 applications with more expected.  Imposing Planning Control Zones in some areas, as suggested, would have to be done in a logical way.  Mr Murray, accepted that policy change will be controversial with a huge amount of variations and that any change would involve public consultation with the resulting evidence influencing any subsequent change to policy.  In the meantime, the Planning Department will, in consultation with partners, deal with each application individually.  

Frank Roberts on behalf of Oban Community Council

Following the site meeting at Ganavan with Council Officers and Councillors there has been no feedback on the outcome of this meeting.  Can the Area Committee advise on the status of the suggested CCTV solution?

Mark Calder advised that the site meeting and the points raised during it were useful, and that the council needs to follow an agreed procurement process in securing the necessary equipment. Mr Calder further advised that there are legislative requirements around CCTV installation and this will require further consideration.

Question by Marri Malloy

Will the  Council employ extra wardens to attend Ganavan and will they be ticketing those campervans that have been in situ overnight?

Mark Calder advised that tickets would only be issued if it could be proven that drivers had contravened the overnight parking rule and that the proposed installation of CCTV at the location should help in this regard. The installation of CCTV must go through a defined, robust process.  Mr Calder stated that any instances of anti-social behaviour should be submitted to the Police.

Question by Duncan Martin

Prior to the local government elections in May 2022 prospective Councillors commented that they were dissatisfied with the way in which services were delivered, specifically that all decisions were made at Kilmory. Can the Area Committee comment on any considerations given to changing the way in which services are delivered such as employing a Clerk of Works for the Oban area?

The Chair advised that the way in which services are delivered is largely determined by the resources available and that elected members and officers are determined to deliver positive outcomes for the residents of Argyll and Bute.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 3 of 2022/23 (October to December 2022) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. 

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee:-

1.    noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented;

2.    agreed that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report, the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and 

3.    noted that work was ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 8 February 2023, submitted)

The Chair ruled, and the Area Committee agreed, to a variation in the order of business. The minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services and highlighted works being undertaken which were relevant to the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated January 2023, submitted)

Verbal Presentation by Pupil Representatives from Oban High School, Tiree High School and Tobermory High School

The Committee gave consideration to a verbal update from pupils at Oban High School, Tiree High School and Tobermory High School who outlined aspects of their learning journeys over the years. 

Megan Day, a pupil from Oban High School spoke of the large range of subjects she had undertaken and enjoyed in 4^th and 5^th year. In May 2022 she started work experience with the Oban Times and is hoping to attend university to study Journalism and Politics.

Hannah Benson, from Oban High School spoke of her learning journey, the subjects she is studying and that she hopes to attend university to study Sports Coaching.  Hannah has also attended work experience with Daniel MacIntyre of The View working in marketing and research.

Skye Gunn, a pupil from Tiree High School said during her learning journey she became a sports ambassador in 4^th year where she worked with the younger pupils, this led her to consider a future in Childcare.  Skye advised that living on an island she faced challenges of finding areas to gain work experience, fortunately she had been able to help out at the nursery within the School.

Lewis Baker, from Oban High School decided going into 3^rd year that he was considering a pursuing a career in the Royal Navy, so chose Maths, Geography and Sciences. Lewis added that in 4^th year he got the opportunity of work experience in welding and fabrication, which he is doing a foundation apprenticeship in.  Going forward he wants to do engineering and is happy with the mixed learning at the school.

Malik Cloes, a pupil from Tobermory High School spoke of his aim to become a professional badminton player, he stated with the support of the school he attends 3 days a week and the other days travels to Glasgow to train and has played at national level.  He has also excelled in his chosen subjects getting mainly As in his exam results.

Millie Mitchell-Stephen, a pupil from Tobermory advised that she had attended a career fayre which helped with her decision in subject choices. Since returning to School after the COVID Pandemic, Millie reported that there was more access to counselling and the focus has been on wellbeing of the pupils which she welcomed.

Members of the Area Committee stated that they were very impressed with the confidence, ambition and ideas of the pupils and the young people’s wish to remain  within the local area.

On behalf of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, Councillor Kain, wished the pupils all the very best wishes for their futures.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed to note the information provided.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the content of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated January 2023, submitted) 

The Committee gave consideration to the Area Committee workplan for future meetings. 

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the workplan. 

(Reference:  Area Committee Workplan, dated 8 March 2023, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report which outlined possible options for the Gibraltar Street Public Realm Project.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and agreed to:-

1.    note the content of the report and the feedback provided as a result of public consultation during 2022 and specifically in November 2022;

2.    note the issues identified in relation to Option A;

3.    that Officers continue to progress Option B which retains existing site levels and looks to resurface the existing streetscape, renew street furniture and improve street lighting; and

4.      delegated authority to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth for the delivery of the project to completion including agreeing a final design.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 13 February 2023, submitted) 

E1  Paragraph 8  The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.