Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated from Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Councillor William Petrie and Inspector Mark Lundie.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Minute of Meeting 16 March was approved as a correct record.

Donna Milton, Managing Director, Arneil Johnston, gave a presentation to partners on the Housing Needs and Demands in the Helensburgh and Lomond area following an assessment carried out in 2009.  The results of this study show a projected increasing shortfall in housing in the Helensburgh and Lomond area over a ten year period. Ms Milton added that although similar to the original assessment, it had now been updated, validated and refreshed and that it would form a critical part when developing the Local Housing Strategy.

Some discussion was had over the anticipated increase of military personnel to the area due to the MOD Maritime Change Programme proposal, to which Ms Milton informed the Group that a ‘modelling tool’ had been developed which would allow input which would reflect the impact of any such changes.  She added that the study would be used to inform the Local Development Plan process and that the LACPG would have a role to play in this.

Moira McVicar said that the intention is to have local consultation events, which would tie in with the Local Plan consultation workshops.

Action: Noted

Eileen Wilson, Community Planning Manager highlighted the importance of having a mechanism in place which would allow partners to both represent and provide feedback to their organisations.  David McCaughey drew the group’s attention to the system currently in use by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue as an example.

Lynn Smillie, Area Customer Services Manager added that the LACPG should now be a standard item on all Community Council agendas and that an internal process in each community council should be developed to disseminate information as well as exploring ways to share information between community councils.

Eileen Wilson stressed the importance of representation and accountability and she agreed to bring an update on this to the September meeting.

Action: Noted

Eileen Wilson, Community Planning Manager, referred to the Third Sector Interface which had been agreed at the Management Committee in March.  The report highlighted the issue of representation of the wider third sector.

Gillian Barclay advised that the Helensburgh and Lomond Third Sector Forum meetings are usually held 3 weeks prior to the LACPG meetings and that it would be advantageous for the LACPG agenda to be circulated before this in order that the various issues can be fully explored.

It was agreed that, should any partner on the LACPG wish to attend the next Helensburgh and Lomond Third Sector forum, it will be held on 10^th June at Braeholm RSR from 10.00am – 12.00noon

Action: Noted

Lynn Smillie, Area Customer Services Manager, advised partners that the forthcoming Seminar on 22^nd May 2010, would have a major impact on the  finalisation of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Plan, with information gathered being cross referenced to inform the Area Community Plan.  Lynn hoped that this should all be in place by the September meeting together with input from partners.

Geoff Calvert commended the work on the Community Plan to date but added that he would like to see some inclusion of road safety. 

It was suggested that a glossary be produced along with the Community Plan, listing the various acronyms used.

Action: Lynn Smillie

Gillian Barclay, Third Sector, informed partners of the recent publicity regarding the Seminar and that some 60 replies had been received to date. It was acknowledged however, that due to various factors such as Community Council meeting dates, more replies were anticipated.  There was some discussion around the matter of who would be eligible to vote and it was agreed that there was provision in the voting system for anyone to take part in this.

Action: Noted

Lynn Smillie asked partners for some input towards the formation of a mission statement.  Partners were asked to sum up in no more than three words, the principal purpose of the LACPG.  These responses will be looked at and further discussed prior to the September meeting.

Action: Lynn Smillie

a)      Morevain Martin informed the group that Community Regeneration would be undergoing an HMI Inspection on week beginning 7^th June, and that workshops and focus groups will be held during this time to which all partners are welcome.

b)      Gillian Barclay, Third Sector, informed the group that the Volunteer of the Year Awards will be held on Friday 11^th June at Kilmory.

c)      Mark Lodge, Statutory Planning Officer, advised that workshops on the Local Development Plan are to be held giving an opportunity to get feedback on the earlier consultation exercise and to highlight issues which will be used to form the new Development Plan.  Partners wishing to attend on 27^th May are asked to contact Matthew Watkiss to confirm their attendance in order that the agenda and information can be sent out. 

Partners were asked to e-mail Lynn Smillie, Area Customer Services Manager, with any items they wish to be included on the Agenda, at the earliest opportunity.

a)      Lynn Smillie, Area Customer Services Manager, informed partners that the Management Committee required feedback as to the link that this group has to the Local Housing Strategy. 

b)      Partners were reminded of the forthcoming Seminar on Saturday 22^nd May and were encouraged to attend. 

Eileen Wilson, Community Planning Manager, advised that the Community Planning Partnership are looking at ways in which they can engage in the wider community through such methods as consultation and websites.  The National Conference on Better Community Engagement Process is being held in the Teachers Building, St Enoch’s Square Glasgow on June 15^th 2010 and Eileen advised that Argyll and Bute have been offered a total of 7 places.  She added that it would be advantageous to have a LACPG representative from each area and suggested that an elected member could attend.  Any interested parties were asked to e-mail Eileen to confirm their availability to attend.

Tuesday 21 September 2010.  Time to be notified.