Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated on behalf of :-

Councillor James Robb

Councillor Ellen Morton

Councillor Al Reay

Councillor David Kinniburgh

Eileen Wilson – Community Planning Manager

Neil Black – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

The minute of meeting 15 March 2011 was approved as a correct record.

The Group was updated by Helen Ford, CHORD Project Manager, on the current  progress of the programme.  Partners were provided with a site plan showing the boundaries of the development area.  Ms Ford outlined the three focus areas of the project which were Town Centre Improvement, Traffic Management and Upgrading of the Esplanade and Public Conveniences. She explained that there would be more pedestrian space which in turn would create a more enjoyable experience to both residents and visitors to the town. The positive results of the extensive consultation exercise which had been undertaken were now very much in evidence.  On behalf of the Project Team, Ms Ford wished to thank everyone who had been involved in getting the project to this stage and highlighted again the importance of public engagement.  It is hoped that the Full Business Case will be presented for approval at the Executive in August, following which, a contractor will be appointed.

Decision

The Group agreed :-

           i.            to note the update by the CHORD Project Manager.

         ii.            to commend the Project Management team on the work undertaken in progressing the CHORD programme to date.

The Group was advised by the Area Governance Manager, of a request received by the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee regarding how best to mark the occasion of HM the Queen’s forthcoming Diamond Jubilee in 2012.  There had been a proposal that this take the form of beacon lighting across the areas as happened at her Golden Jubilee.

After some discussion, and due to financial constraints on the Council’s budget, it was felt that local volunteer groups would be best placed to organise these events and that the Community Councils could be a possible gateway to facilitate this.

Decision

Agreed to write to Community Councils requesting them to consult with their local communities on how best to mark the occasion of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee.

The Group was provided with a revised handout of the linkages of the Strategic Local Partnerships to the Helensburgh and Lomond Local Area Community Planning Group which had been updated following input at the previous meeting.  The Area Governance Manager explained that this was still a work in progress and that any input would be welcomed.  It is hoped that the document will be finalised with supporting information following the Conference Planning Meeting on 29 June 2011.

Decision

Agreed to note the update by the Area Governance Manager.

The Group was advised by the Area Governance Manager, that the Area  Community scorecard was still under development and that it is anticipated that the finalised scorecard will be brought to the next meeting on 20 September 2011.  Ms MacLeod highlighted the importance that the scorecards must reflect what the partners want regarding Performance Monitoring.

Decision

Agreed to note the update by the Area Governance Manager.

As the Community Planning Manager had previously intimated her apologies, no report was available.  However, Ms Wilson had advised that the CPP sub group had met twice and were about to agree the Action Plan.  The plans were currently underway for the CPP Conference Planning meeting on 29^th June  which all partners would be invited to attend.

Decision

Agreed to note the update by the Community Planning Manager.

The Group was reminded by the Chair that any updates to Consultation Diary would be welcomed and that it would continue to be an ongoing process.

Morevain Martin, Senior Development Manager, advised the Group that there had been a limited response to her previous request for preferred dates for this event and that due to time constraints, it was now felt that an alternative date be sought. Morevain explained the aims and objectives of the training day and advised that a ‘hands on’ and interactive approach could be expected.

Decision

1. Agreed to note the update by the Senior Development Manager

2. Agreed to distribute alternative available dates to all partners and responses to these to be e-mailed to Belinda Hamilton, Area Committee Assistant, for collation.

The Group was asked to note a report providing a brief update of the progress of the Social Affairs Thematic Group.

Decision

Agreed to note the contents of the submitted report.

(Ref: Report by the Executive Director of Community Services, dated 5 April 2011, submitted)

The Group was asked to note a report summarising the progress that the Environment Thematic Group has made in regard to developing and implementing actions in the Community Plan and in developing a scorecard and work programme.

Decision

Agreed to note the contents of the submitted report.

(Ref: Report by Andrew Campbell, Scottish Natural Heritage, dated 13 April 2011, submitted)

The Group was asked to note a report by the Economy Thematic Group which concentrated on the work currently being undertaken to redesign the scorecard and advising that approval for the revised format would be sought at a meeting on 25 May 2011.

Decision

Agreed to note the contents of the submitted report.

(Ref: Report by Douglas Cowan, Highland Enterprise, dated 13 April 2011)

The Group was provided with a short presentation on the Main Issues Report (MIR) which represents the first formal stage of the new Local Development Plan (LDP) that will eventually replace the current Structure and Local Plan, by Fergus Murray, Development Policy Manager, in which he highlighted the Key Policies contained within the document.  Mr Murray advised that this first stage was particularly important as it would shape the new Area Plan and was a major departure from previous formats and contained many pertinent issues to which the public were asked to respond.  There will be a series of open meetings across Argyll and Bute with the Helensburgh meeting scheduled for a date in early June.  Mr Murray advised that there would be the opportunity for one to one sessions operating on an appointment system but that a drop in format would be encouraged.  The 12 week consultation period will run from 12^th May – 18^th July.

Decision

1. Agreed to note the presentation by the Development Policy Manager.

2. Agreed to request the Development Policy Manager to circulate slides of the presentation to all partners of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group.